Clippership, a U.S.-headquartered company developing autonomous wind-powered ships, has signed a construction contract for its first 24-meter class zero emission autonomous wind-powered cargo vessel with Dutch shipyard KM Yachtbuilders.
The vessel features twin, foldable rigid wings for primary wind propulsion, is designed for open-ocean autonomy, and has a cargo capacity of up to 75 Euro-pallets within its climate-controlled cargo hold.
Naval architecture was carried out by Dykstra Naval Architects, while Glosten, a Seattle-headquartered American naval architecture and marine engineering firm, completed the vessel’s structural engineering. Autonomy and wind-propulsion systems are designed in-house by Clippership.
The vessel will be built in accordance with RINA rules and supervised during construction to be classed as General Cargo Ship – Powered Sailing Ship with the wind-assisted propulsion system (WAPS) additional class notation.
Set to sail under the Maltese flag, its launch is scheduled for late 2026, with commercial operations commencing shortly afterwards on transatlantic, Caribbean, and South American pilot routes.
“Bringing together Dykstra Naval Architect’s expertise in large sailing vessels, Glosten’s engineering capability, and our in-house autonomy and rigid-wing technology gives the 24-meter class a powerful foundation. Partnering with KM Yachtbuilders places our design in the hands of a shipyard known for building safe and innovative aluminum vessels, and RINA’s design approval ensures full alignment with applicable international regulations,” Clippership said.