New York Harbor has recently welcomed two vessels that underscore the changing tides of maritime travel, highlighting advancements in sustainable energy and environmentally friendly transportation.
At Battery Park City’s North Cove Marina, the Energy Observer made its arrival this week, marking the latest leg of its round-the-world tour. Having journeyed from Africa to South America and the Caribbean last fall, the vessel is now navigating up the East Coast of the United States.
The Energy Observer is equipped with a suite of renewable energy technologies, setting it apart as a pioneering example of eco-friendly maritime travel. Instead of traditional fabric sails, the boat features OceanWings, automated aerodynamic rectangles resembling airplane wings. Additionally, over 2,000 square feet of solar cells contribute to charging the vessel’s 3,000-plus pounds of batteries, which power the boat’s operations, including the desalination of seawater.
Captain Victorien Erussard, an offshore sailing racer and merchant naval officer who spearheaded the vessel’s creation, emphasizes its mission to demonstrate the feasibility of eco-friendly travel. He envisions a future where boats harmonize with the natural environment, drawing energy from the sun and water without disrupting marine ecosystems.
A key aspect of the Energy Observer’s innovation is its reliance on hydrogen, viewed by Captain Erussard as a game-changer in the transition away from fossil fuels. The vessel serves as a floating laboratory, showcasing the potential of hydrogen and other renewable energy technologies to revolutionize maritime travel.
Meanwhile, also docked on the East River at Pier 17 is the Grain de Sail II, the world’s only cargo schooner designed to operate predominantly by sail power. Developed by twin brothers Jacques and Olivier Barreau, the vessel carries 350 tons of goods from Europe, relying on wind power for more than 90% of its voyages. Equipped with solar panels and miniature wind turbines, the Grain de Sail II represents a significant reduction in carbon emissions compared to traditional cargo vessels.
Both the Energy Observer and the Grain de Sail II exemplify the maritime industry’s shift towards sustainability and innovation. As public interest in eco-friendly travel grows, these vessels serve as tangible examples of a cleaner, greener future for maritime transportation.