Two Breton companies will build the second cargo sailboat of the Morlaisian company specialized in coffee and chocolate. Objective of the chocolate factory: transport 100% of its raw materials via the Atlantic by 2023.
A partnership forged with two Breton experts
The Morlaisian company Grain de Sail has added a newcomer to its fleet of decarbonized maritime transport to meet the growing demand for its products. After Grain de Sail 1, in service since 2020, Grain de Sail 2 will soon be operating transatlantic routes from Saint Malo, its home port. On February 11th, the Concarnois Piriou and the Lorient Lorima were on board Grain de Sail 1 to sign the construction agreement for the future cargo sailboat in Brest. Piriou shipyards will build the hull in Vietnam while Lorima will supply the carbon rigging and complete the masting operation in Lorient. A synergy of skills "made in Brittany" for a wind-powered ship designed in partnership with the Lorient architecture firm L20naval.
Increase the transport capacity
Twice as long as its elder, Grain de Sail 2 will be responsible for exporting wines and other gourmet products from France and Europe to the United States and in particular raw materials from Latin America (cocoa mass, green coffees, rums, etc.). With its carrying capacity of 350 tons, it will be able to transport up to 238 pallets distributed on two levels in two holds. "In addition, dedicated tanks will be able to receive up to 18 m3 (635 cubic feet) of liquid bulk and on the bridge there will be a loading capacity of an additional 5 m3 (176 cubic feet) in barrels" specifies the company. Grain de Sail is committed to transporting 100% (compared to 55% today) of the cocoa mass via the Atlantic by 2023.
A sustainable development approach
Aluminum structure, 1170 m2 (12,600 sq ft) of sails: the robust and maneuverable sailboat will sail even in case of light wind. Its carbon footprint will be reduced thanks to the incorporation of renewable energy production systems that will provide on-board electricity thanks to photovoltaic panels and tidal turbines. To ensure its three or four transatlantic loops per year, two experienced sailors will be at the helm. Only a small engine running on fossil energy will be able to ensure the rotations in the arrival and departure ports. "We had the necessary time to design this ship well together, which is completely consistent with our values to decarbonize maritime transport at a time when it is high time to act" declares Loys Leclercq, co-founder of L20naval.
Since its creation, Grain de Sail attempts to maintain the environmental, social and financial balance to continue demonstrating that a company can be more virtuous. Its cargo ships are inspired by the past and invent the future of responsible transport with current, innovative and modern technologies.
(c) Sail Grain/L20naval
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