The Marshall Islands, a picturesque archipelago in the heart of the Pacific, is facing a dual challenge: maintaining its maritime heritage while combating the looming threat of climate change. Historically, the islanders have relied on traditional canoes for navigation and trade, but the modern world has ushered in a wave of bulky, diesel-powered cargo ships that contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. As the shipping industry is projected to account for 10% of global emissions by 2050, the urgency to pivot toward sustainable practices has never been more pressing.
Enter Alson Kelen, a visionary and founder of Waan Aelõñ, who is spearheading efforts to revive traditional Marshallese seafaring practices. His mission is not just about nostalgia; it’s about survival. With the islands bearing the brunt of climate change—experiencing rising sea levels and increasingly erratic weather patterns—Kelen’s initiatives aim to decarbonize the fleet. By training young locals to build traditional canoes and larger sailboats equipped with solar panels, he’s laying the groundwork for a more sustainable future.
The Juren Ae, a cargo sailboat inspired by traditional designs, is a testament to this vision. This vessel can carry 300 metric tons and is projected to reduce emissions by up to 80% compared to its diesel counterparts. Kelen refers to it as “a beautiful big sister of our little canoes,” encapsulating the blend of tradition and innovation that characterizes this movement. The Marshall Islands Shipping Corporation hopes that Juren Ae serves as a model for cleaner cargo transport across the Pacific, aligning with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
While Kelen’s work is localized, it’s part of a broader, global narrative. The IMO is exploring various alternatives to fossil fuels, including ammonia, hydrogen, and nuclear power. However, wind propulsion stands out as a particularly viable option. Christiaan De Beukelaer, a political anthropologist, emphasizes that without wind power, the industry’s decarbonization efforts will be hampered. “If you take time into consideration, wind is indispensable,” he asserts, pointing to studies indicating that wind can reduce CO2 emissions by 20%.
The beauty of wind propulsion lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. Modern sails come in various forms—rigid wings, kites, and suction sails—all designed to harness wind energy efficiently. For instance, rigid sails can provide up to 30% of a vessel’s power, while those specifically designed for wind can achieve an astonishing 80%. Gavin Allwright from the International Windship Association argues, “If we’ve got five and a half thousand years of experience, isn’t this just a no-brainer?”
Innovative designs are emerging from companies like Oceanbird, which is developing hard wings that mimic airplane technology to propel ships forward. These sails can reduce fuel consumption by 10% per trip, a significant saving in an industry that’s notoriously dependent on fossil fuels. Meanwhile, kites tethered to the ship can soar high into the atmosphere, tapping into stronger winds and yielding fuel savings of 9% to 15%.
Suction sails, which utilize a fan to create thrust, are another fascinating innovation. Bound4Blue’s modern designs significantly outperform traditional sails, generating up to seven times more thrust. With twelve ships already operating with these sails, the potential for widespread adoption is evident.
The Marshall Islands’ journey toward sustainable shipping is a microcosm of a much larger global movement. As the industry grapples with its environmental footprint, the integration of traditional practices with cutting-edge technology may well be the key to a greener future. The question remains: can the maritime industry pivot quickly enough to meet the IMO’s ambitious targets? The answer may lie in the winds that have long guided the Marshallese people.
