Sailing Rainbow Warrior

GreenPeace, the worldwide environmental organization is building a new Rainbow Warrior vessel in Germany. The primary propulsion for this ship will be the wind. The new Rainbow Warrior will be equipped with two A-frame masts. So if you see a big green-hulled sailing ship bearing down on you, better make sure you haven’t accidently hooked a whale on your trolling line.

From the press release: Greenpeace International Executive Director Gerd Leipold today signed a contract with the Fassmer Shipyard for construction of the Rainbow Warrior III. The sailing ship, which is to be completed in time for Greenpeace’s 40th anniversary in 2011, will include the very latest in green technology, making it ideal for use in Greenpeace’s campaign to avert catastrophic climate change.

This is the first time in the environmental organisation’s history that it has chosen to commission a purpose-built high seas ship instead of refurbishing an older one. The organisation maintains that even in these difficult financial times, environmental protection must remain the international community’s single greatest priority. “Greenpeace is demanding that politicians and individuals alike make policy and investment decisions based upon environmental imperatives. Just as this is the right thing for them to do, so too is it the right thing for Greenpeace. Now is not the time to short change future generations,” Leipold explained.

The Rainbow Warrior III will be built primarily to sail (thus using wind energy instead of fossil fuels), with the option in unsuitable weather conditions to switch over to engine-powered, diesel-electric propulsion. The A-frame design of the mast and the positioning of the sails have been optimised for efficiency and the shape of the hull has been designed for maximum fuel conservation. Heat created by the generators will be re-used to heat water on board and for engine pre-heating.

“The Rainbow Warrior II has been a great ship, with a proud record of effecting environmental change, but even great warriors need to be retired,” Leipold said at the contract signing ceremony. “The Rainbow Warrior is synonymous with Greenpeace, with taking a stand to defend the planet, and is an icon of hope world wide. Not only does it provide Greenpeace with a platform to challenge environmental abuse across the world, it provides people with inspiration to take action of their own. More than ever the world needs the hope and inspiration provided by the Rainbow Warrior.”

By Ocean Navigator