Sail Freight Is Getting a Practical Coastal Workhorse
August 19, 2026
A new collaboration aims to simplify launching low-carbon coastal shipping The future of coastal sail freight may arrive sooner than predicted. The Center for Post
A new collaboration aims to simplify launching low-carbon coastal shipping The future of coastal sail freight may arrive sooner than predicted. The Center for Post
Over the last two years the Center for Post Carbon Logistics, Inc. (CPCL) has
been working to develop regional near-zero emission maritime trade. Because of the
headwinds of policy and disappearing funding for anything climate related from the
federal government, we have pivoted to a strategy of seeking regional funding for a
fleet of near-zero emission ships working the waterways of the Northeast US.
By Rik van Hemmen, Vice President and Partner, MARTIN, OTTAWAY, van HEMMEN & DOLAN, INC., Originally published in Surveyors Notebook. © 2026 Martin, Ottaway, van
As ports, marinas, and harbor operations aim to reduce their environmental impact, they’ve had to set a new goal: establishing
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CPCL advocates for the preservation and expansion of working waterfront, sustainable maritime propulsion, decarbonization of landside transportation, and the development of new standards for transportation systems which prioritize zero emissions systems. This advocacy takes the form of research, policy education, market development, and other activities which forward the ability of small ports and small vessels to revive sustainable short sea shipping in the United States.
CPCL educates organizations, individuals, businesses, and governments on the importance of sustainable short sea shipping, maritime skills, market development, and other pertinent subjects. This includes workforce development, trades skills training, participating in conferences and symposia, and working with other organizations working toward similar goals both nationally and world-wide.
CPCL engineers the next generation of tools for sustainable freight transportation, including cargo containers, sail and solar-electric vessel designs, modular port systems, last mile vehicles, and other systems. These systems and standards will enable small ports and small vessels to deploy infrastructure and build the fleet at reduced costs and within shorter time horizons.