The Dutch shipping company, EcoClipper has announced this year’s sailing schedule of the newly purchased ship De Tukker as Afloat reported in January.
De Tukker is the first in a fleet of low-impact sailing ships which will transport cargo and passengers using the wind as a main source of propulsion. The schedule focuses on the North Sea, the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay.
The routes include some of the major international shipping ports such as Amsterdam, London, Porto and Antwerp. De Tukker, which measures 40 meters with a shallow draft of 2.4 meters, will also be able to operate in local ports such as La Rochelle, France, and Penzance, UK, which will increase its public profile and target local SMEs wanting to reduce their shipping footprint.
There will be space for 12 paying guests, who are invited to get involved in the sailing of the ship but are also welcome to enjoy the unique experience.
De Tukker has 60 cubic meters of cargo space and will be able to carry a maximum of 70 tonnes of cargo. The ship is currently undergoing refit work at Talsma Shipyard in the Netherlands. The draft has been increased by an extended keel thus providing more stable sailing. Research is also being carried out into installing a propeller generator and solar panels on the galley deckhouse which would cover the onboard lighting system and navigation, thereby further reducing fossil-fuel use.
EcoClipper has been talking to future partners such as broker New Dawn Traders, sailing holiday agent Classic Sailing and sustainable ferry service FairFerry. Internationally renowned sail cargo company Fairtransport and UK based brokers Shipped by Sail and Raybel Charters have also been approached.
Jorne Langelaan, CEO and founder of EcoClipper, said “The 2022 sailing schedule provides a good mix of both larger ports and small harbours. This will increase visibility of the sail cargo and sail travel industries. It’s fantastic to be able to work in tandem with other sail cargo companies too, we all have a lot to offer and we are all moving towards the same target: to ultimately reduce shipping emissions and provide the tried and tested method of sailing as a viable transport option.”
Customers can book a place/cargo on the ship here
