The return of sail
Published: 30th April 2019
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Author: Jorne Langelaan

by: Capt. Jorne Langelaan

At this stage of running the EcoClipper company our main goal is to spread the story about the return of sail. Thankfully this story is very compelling, so nationally and internationally it ignites interest wherever it is being told.

This story starts thousands of years ago, when the first people settled along rivers and estuaries, used tree branches on their rafts to make use of the wind for propulsion. From that moment on the sailing vessel became the most effective long-distance vehicle. In the 19th century that all changed when burning fossil fuels replaced the wind as source of energy. That the transition from sail to steam also marked the start of climate change which can barely be seen as a coincidence.

Nowadays 90% of everything we use, is being shipped over sea once or several times in its production process. The shipping industry emits more greenhouse gasses, than the entire economy of the country of Germany. 

Anybody who is serious about wanting to bring climate change to a halt, or preserve any of the natural life on earth, would agree that we ought to transition to a different sort of shipping. First of all, only those products should be shipped which could absolutely not been produced locally. What is left should be transported by emission free sailing vessels, built and run by EcoClipper and other cargo sailors.

Throughout the past months this story has been passed on during many occasions. In countless individual meetings with banks, shipping companies and other potential partners. During presentations in Rotterdam, Amsterdam, The Hague and even as far from the sea as Zurich in Switzerland… 

If you want to join in making EcoClipper reality, you can now host a presentation at your house, school, company or event.  Do not hesitate to come in contact, and I am delighted to present the story about the return of sail. 

PRESS RELEASE: Partnership between EcoClipper and New Dawn Traders

PRESS RELEASE: Partnership between EcoClipper and New Dawn Traders

Dutch sail-cargo pioneers EcoClipper are developing a new breed of cargo carrying sailing ship, the first of which will be a 59m square-rigger with a capacity of 500 tonnes. While development is ongoing, EcoClipper has renovated the 1912 ketch ‘De Tukker’ which, in collaboration with UK-based cargo broker New Dawn Traders, will start forging European trade routes in 2023.

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PRESS RELEASE: Partnership between EcoClipper and New Dawn Traders

PRESS RELEASE: Partnership between EcoClipper and New Dawn Traders

Dutch sail-cargo pioneers EcoClipper are developing a new breed of cargo carrying sailing ship, the first of which will be a 59m square-rigger with a capacity of 500 tonnes. While development is ongoing, EcoClipper has renovated the 1912 ketch ‘De Tukker’ which, in collaboration with UK-based cargo broker New Dawn Traders, will start forging European trade routes in 2023.

read more
New Year, New U-bend

New Year, New U-bend

Refurbishing the ship’s rigging, working on the ship’s steel- and ropework, cleaning sails, and making new sail covers. Below decks, the steel and electric work continues, and some skilled carpenters have joined our team, refitting floors, bunks and partition walls. 

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