In a monumental step towards eco-friendly maritime transport, Café William, a leading Canadian coffee company committed to sustainability, has announced the groundbreaking voyage of the largest sailing cargo ship in modern history. This 81-metre vessel will transport green coffee beans from the port of Santa Marta in Colombia to Québec, marking a significant milestone in the global effort to reduce carbon emissions in the shipping industry.
The collaboration between Café William and TransOceanic Wind Transport (TOWT) is set to redefine how goods, particularly coffee, are transported across the world.
A Partnership Aiming to Revolutionize Maritime Transport
Café William has long been recognized for its forward-thinking approach to the coffee industry, not only for producing high-quality beans but for its dedication to creating a positive impact beyond the cup. By partnering with TransOceanic Wind Transport (TOWT), Café William is taking a bold step towards reducing its carbon footprint and leading the charge in sustainable transport.
TOWT is an organization that pioneers wind-powered cargo shipping, offering a modern solution to the heavy reliance on fossil-fueled vessels that dominate today’s maritime industry. Together, they are charting a new course in shipping, one that leverages the power of the wind to transport goods in an eco-friendly and efficient manner.
The vessel undertaking this historic journey is capable of carrying the equivalent of 50 shipping containers of green coffee beans, a massive increase from Café William's trial voyage in December 2023, which only transported a fraction of this volume. This voyage is not just a logistical triumph but also a major environmental achievement, as it eliminates the emissions typically associated with traditional cargo ships powered by fossil fuels.
Setting a New Benchmark for Sustainability in the Coffee Industry
Café William’s Chief Innovation and Commercial Officer, Serge Picard, sees this partnership as a groundbreaking moment for both the coffee and shipping industries. “We’re thrilled to partner with TOWT to fulfill our mission of acting beyond the cup and set a precedent for other players in the sector,” Picard explains. “It was vital for us to find an alternative method of transporting coffee, which largely depends on fossil-fuel cargo ships. Our first voyage proved that we could use sail power to bring beans to Canada, but this, much larger boat, will allow us to sustain operations and move toward zero-emission coffee.”
Café William is setting an example for other companies within the coffee industry to follow, showcasing that it is possible to balance commercial success with environmental responsibility. The success of this larger voyage is expected to encourage other businesses to explore wind-powered alternatives and push the boundaries of what sustainable shipping can achieve.