Chris Thrall took a boat across the ocean and now he’s back. Read about his voyage. Idk if I would do that if I’m being real.
In an era where the urgency to address climate change has never been greater, innovative solutions are emerging from unexpected quarters. A recent article from Energy Live News explores the potential of sailing ships as a net zero solution for maritime transport (Energy Live News, 2025).
I’ve had this theory for a while. I think that as much as we advance, a lot of the methods we have used in the past were applied for a reason so I predict that we will see a lot of “regression” to old patterns. This revival of wind-powered shipping, combined with cutting-edge technology, presents an intriguing path towards sustainable sea travel.
The concept of modern sailing ships goes beyond simply harnessing wind power. They are being designed with state-of-the-art technologies that optimize their efficiency and reduce their environmental impact. One of the most promising aspects of this development is the integration of portable solar energy systems (like our friends on the boat).
Portable solar technology could be really key for powering the auxiliary systems of these new-age sailing ships. While wind would provide the primary propulsion, solar energy could be used to power navigation equipment, communication systems, and other onboard electronics. This hybrid approach would significantly reduce the reliance on fossil fuels for these essential functions.
The advantages of incorporating portable solar solutions on sailing ships are numerous:
- Flexibility: Portable solar panels can be easily repositioned to maximize sun exposure as the ship changes course.
- Scalability: The solar capacity can be adjusted based on the ship’s size and energy requirements.
- Reliability: Solar power provides a consistent energy source, complementing the variability of wind power.
- Low maintenance: Solar systems require minimal upkeep, ideal for long voyages.
- Weight efficiency: Modern portable solar panels are lightweight, minimizing their impact on the ship’s performance.
The combination of wind and solar power on these vessels could potentially create a truly zero-emission maritime transport solution. This aligns perfectly with global efforts to decarbonize the shipping industry, which currently accounts for about 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions (International Maritime Organization, 2024).
As we look to the future, and the present, (because Chris has a Jackery on board), the synergy between sailing ships and portable solar energy represents a promising avenue for sustainable sea travel. It demonstrates how blending traditional methods with modern technology can lead to innovative solutions in our fight against climate change. The maritime industry stands at the cusp of a green revolution, and the winds of change are blowing in a decidedly sustainable direction.
Would you take a Jackery out on a boat to sail across the ocean? Even just for fun?
References:
Energy Live News, 2025. Are sailing ships the new net zero solution?. [online] Available at: <https://www.energylivenews.com/2025/01/30/are-sailing-ships-the-new-net-zero-solution/ > [Accessed 4 February 2025].
Google. (2025). Gemini (Imagen 3) [AI image generator]. https://ai.google.dev/gemini-api/docs/imagen
International Maritime Organization, 2024. Fourth IMO GHG Study 2024. [online] Available at: <https://www.imo.org > [Accessed 4 February 2025].
