Automation is gradually penetrating the field of sea freight. Interparus will tell you about V0 – an autonomous sailboat designed for cargo delivery.
Sailing boat V0
While the cargo sailboat Anemos and a cruise liner Le Ponant are reviving the commercial use of sailing ships, startup Clippership is offering an alternative approach. The company recently released a video showing the first sea trials of its autonomous prototype, called V0.
Demonstration of the V0 sea trials
The boats, built on the V0 platform, are planned to be used for LCL (less than container load) cargo deliveries. According to Clippership representatives, the use of an autonomous boat in cargo transportation should optimize the process of goods delivery, making it faster and more environmentally friendly.
Features of V0
According to the company's official website, V0 is a fully autonomous vessel with wingsails. The boat can be controlled both from the boat and remotely, but the main goal of the development is to create a system that can be programmed to travel along predetermined routes.

Source: clippership.io
The current prototype is already capable of making short journeys on its own and maintaining constant communication with the Clippership control center. In case of unforeseen situations, the operator can intervene in the control. The V0 boat will serve as the basis for the development of two other models – Class Zephyr and Class Poseidon.
The technical characteristics of the prototype are as follows:
Length | 7.5 m |
Sail | wingsail with aluminum and carbon composite mast |
Engine | Electric motor powered by 48V battery |
Electricity generation | using solar panels |
Communication systems | GPS, Radar, AIS, CCTV Cameras, Starlink |
Other Clippership models
Two other models of the company were mentioned earlier – Zephyr and Poseidon, which will be the first in their class. Zephyr is a 15-meter boat with a wingsail. Judging by the concept (see below), this model will be equipped with a protected wheelhouse. The keel is fixed, and closer to the tank there is a hatch for cargo.

Class Zephyr concept. Source: clippership.io
By the way, to determine the carrying capacity, Clippership uses the theoretical number of standard pallets that the vessel can accommodate. Zephyr is capable of carrying up to 10 pallets. The main purpose of the model is to transport cargo across the Great Lakes and the Caribbean Sea. Construction of the first hull has already begun, and launching is scheduled for the second quarter of 2025.
The Poseidon class vessels (a more appropriate term than “boat”) will be 27 meters long and have two masts. This autonomous giant is designed to transport cargo across the Atlantic. Only a general plan of the vessel is available so far, and its launch is scheduled for the second quarter of 2026. The cargo capacity will be 100 pallets.

Class Poseidon concept. Source: clippership.io
Both models are fully autonomous and do not require human intervention. The main focus is on delivering LCL cargo, i.e. lots from different shippers, collected in one container or on one pallet.
Routes
The company's official website provides detailed descriptions of the proposed routes. For example, Zephyr will sail along the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico. The cost of shipping a 1-ton pallet depends on the length of the route, but for North America it is $300-450. The Great Lakes will take 1-2 days, and the Caribbean Sea will take about 10-12 days.

Some of the company's routes include Lake Superior (top left), Ontario (top right), the Gulf of Mexico (bottom left), and the Atlantic (bottom right). Source: clippership.io
Transatlantic shipping will cost a little more – from $400 to $500 per pallet of the same weight. The entire journey from North America to Europe will take up to 22 days, not taking into account weather conditions.
Clippership Startup
Clippership is a young start-up founded by a group of engineers and marine operations specialists. The company aims to improve maritime and inland waterway shipping by developing automated systems. The main focus is on the use of green energy, including sails, electric motors and solar panels.
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11.12.2024
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