Clippership, a US-based maritime robotics company, has entered into an agreement with Dutch shipyard KM Yachtbuilders for constructing their 24 m long autonomous, wind-powered cargo ship.

The zero-emissions vessel will be built in the Netherlands and will be launched in 2026. It will sail under the Maltese flag and operate on pilot routes across the Caribbean, Atlantic and South America.

The companies involved in the project aim to reduce emissions significantly by using wind as the main source of propulsion.

For primary propulsion, the ship will rely on twin, foldable wings, allowing it to harness wind energy and adapt to port operations and differing sea conditions.

The design of the vessel was made by the Dutch firm, Dykstra Naval Architects, known for famous ships like the Maltese Falcon and Black Pearl.

Glosten, a Seattle-based firm, is responsible for the structural engineering of the vessel, being built under RINA regulations.

It will be classed as a WAPS General Cargo Ship to comply with international safety standards.

Clippership is working on the autonomy software and the wing design.

The advanced sailing vessel will integrate modern navigation and decision-making systems to ensure safe operations while reducing the need for human intervention.

It will also feature a climate-control hold to accommodate 75 Euro-pallets, making it ideal for carrying high value-cargo.