Windcoop and Sailcoop Partner to Offer Passenger Travel on New Sail-Powered Cargo Ship
Lorient-based cooperative Windcoop has partnered with Vannes-based Sailcoop to manage passenger bookings for the Mariaka, a wind-powered cargo ship currently under construction at the RMK Marine shipyard in Istanbul. According to a joint announcement made on June 12, 2026, at the Cité de la Voile in Lorient, the vessel will carry both freight and up to ten passengers, with its first commercial voyage between Marseille and Madagascar scheduled for June 2027.
How does wind-powered freight impact passenger travel?
The Mariaka features five double cabins, allowing for a total capacity of ten passengers, according to Nils Joyeux, director general of Windcoop. Unlike traditional cruise ships, these voyages prioritize cargo transport. Joyeux notes that the journey to Madagascar will take approximately 40 days, a duration extended beyond the initial 30-day estimate due to current geopolitical constraints. While cargo ship travel is a niche market, industry leaders observe consistent demand from travelers seeking an experience that prioritizes maritime utility over leisure-first cruise amenities.
The Mariaka is a 91-meter vessel equipped with three automated rigid wings, a design aimed at significantly reducing the carbon footprint of long-distance maritime logistics.
What is the role of the Sailcoop partnership?
Windcoop selected Sailcoop to handle commercial operations due to the latter’s established expertise in maritime passenger logistics. According to Grégoire Théry, who leads strategy and development for Sailcoop, the company has successfully facilitated travel for 19,000 passengers since its inception. Sailcoop’s experience spans various maritime environments, including short-distance routes in Corsica, regular crossings between Concarneau and the Glénan islands, and transatlantic operations alongside the Neoliner Origin cargo ship.
Théry emphasizes that boarding a wind-powered cargo ship requires a different mindset than standard commercial aviation. To manage this, Sailcoop is developing a dedicated booking platform. While pricing remains unannounced, prospective passengers can access pre-registration forms via the cooperative’s official website.
What is the construction timeline for the Mariaka?
The project, which originated in the Lorient engineering hub, reached a construction milestone on April 3, 2026, with the laying of the Mariaka’s keel. The shipyard process is expected to last 18 months, with a scheduled launch at the end of 2026. Following final outfitting, the ship is slated for delivery in May 2027. Upon arrival in Marseille in June 2027, the vessel will load 2,500 tons of freight for its maiden voyage.
Follow the Sailcoop official portal for updates on booking windows. Cargo travel slots are limited and often require booking well in advance of the departure date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone book a passage on the Mariaka?
Yes, the vessel is designed to accommodate ten passengers. However, as it is a working cargo ship, the experience is described as an “adventure” rather than a luxury cruise, and prospective travelers must follow specific booking procedures via the Sailcoop platform.
How long does the voyage to Madagascar take?
The transit is expected to take approximately 40 days. This timeline accounts for current geopolitical constraints and the operational nature of wind-assisted cargo shipping.
Is the Mariaka the only wind-powered cargo ship?
No. Other projects, such as the Neoliner Origin, are already active in the sector. The Mariaka distinguishes itself through its specific design of three automated rigid wings and its integration of both freight and passenger services under a cooperative model.
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