SHERBROOKE, QC – Café William, a Quebec roaster focused on the production of organic and fair trade coffees, takes advantage of the presence at COP26 of its partner from Costa Rica, SAILCARGO, to announce its investment in the first zero emission sailing cargo vessel to transport its coffee beans from South America to its roasting plant in Sherbrooke.

This is a world first in the maritime freight industry. The Ceiba is a sustainably built vessel that will carry cargo, zero emissions. When commissioned in 2023, it will be the largest active and clean ocean freight ship in the world, ”according to Danielle Doggett, Founder and CEO of SAILCARGO.

“We have been investing for several years to rethink and make the value chain sustainable and this innovation is part of this commitment. As the coffee tree does not grow in cold regions like ours, it is inevitable that it will be transported over long distances, ”says Serge Picard, Owner of Café William. “Our investment in this innovative project will significantly reduce the carbon footprint and, together with our other projects, ultimately produce zero-emission coffee, a first in the world of coffee,” concludes Mr. Picard.

The sailboat is under construction and commissioning is scheduled for 2023. The auxiliary propulsion unit will be powered by hydrogen.