Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — With its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the sea transport sector — the Marshall Islands stand out as leaders in the Pacific region and worldwide. The sailing cargo ship, SV Juren Ae, brings the country one step closer to achieving their goal of 40% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping sector by 2030 in the Marshall Islands and full decarbonization by 2050.

At 48 metres in length and 320 tons of deadweight, the SV Juren Ae maximizes fuel and emission savings by using renewable wind and solar energy. Prof. Michael Vahs of the University of Emden/Leer who led the design process with his team, says that “due to the design of the Juren Ae, safe and easy handling of the three-mast Indosail-Rig with a diesel-electric drive guarantees a service speed of 7 knots.

With a maximum speed under sail of about 12 knots, the good wind conditions of the Marshall Islands promise a saving potential of about 80% in comparison to conventional motor ships of the existing fleet”. Additionally, photovoltaic solar panels are installed on the aft deck to generate electric power that is stored in batteries.

This innovative sailing cargo ship type is capable to maintain “zero emissions” operation under favourable wind conditions.  This significant achievement was made possible in a collaborative effort as part of the Low Carbon Sea Transport Project, implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and their partners.

The naming ceremony on May 09, 2024, and subsequent delivery of the SV Juren Ae mark a new chapter in sustainable maritime transportation. The vessel is the first Wind-Propulsion, Pacific Island Sailing Supply Vessel for domestic sea transportation in the Pacific Region and will soon be delivered to the Marshall Islands.