US firm to build 78-foot wind cargo ship with foldable wind wings

A US-based maritime robotics company, Clippership, has partnered with Dutch shipyard KM Yachtbuilders to build a 78-foot (24-meter) autonomous cargo ship powered primarily by wind. Scheduled for launch in late 2026, the vessel will feature twin foldable rigid wings designed for efficient wind propulsion, allowing it to adapt to varying sea conditions and port operations. The ship will operate under the Maltese flag and is intended for pilot commercial routes across the Atlantic, Caribbean, and South America, carrying up to 75 Euro-pallets in a climate-controlled hold, making it suitable for high-value, low-emission cargo transport. The vessel’s design integrates advanced autonomy software, navigation, propulsion, and decision-making systems developed in-house by Clippership to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation with minimal human oversight. Naval architecture is led by Dykstra Naval Architects, known for designing sophisticated sailing vessels, while structural engineering is provided by Seattle-based Glosten. The ship will be built