French wine makers sail towards a greener future

French shipping firm Compagnie de Transport Maritime à la Voile (CTMV) has revealed plans to begin exporting wine by sail boat as part of the industry's attempts to cut its carbon footprint.

According to reports in The Guardian, the company is preparing to ship 60,000 bottles from Laungedoc to Ireland using a three mast 19th Century barque. The voyage is expected to last four days, but will save 4.9oz of carbon per bottle, delivering a total reduction in carbon emissions of 18,375lb.

The return voyage is also expected to boast green credentials, transporting crushed glass from Ireland for recycling into wine bottles at factories in Bordeaux and Béziers.

Vineyards using the company to transport their wine are also expected to realise a marketing benefit, with each bottle labelled "carried by sailing ship, a better deal for the planet".

Speaking to The Guardian, CTMV founder Frederic Albert, said there would also be tastings on board the ship. "The Belem can hold around 100 guests, so there will be plenty of room for importers to promote their wines,' he said, adding that 250 wine producers in the Launguedoc region had expressed interest in the service.

Further voyages to Bristol, Manchester and Canada are now being planned, according to the company.

Exploiting the wind and water to reduce the carbon footprint of shipping is an idea that is gaining popularity amongst cargo operators.

Last month, German cargo shipping specialist Beluga unveiled its SkySail technology, which promises to cut ships' fuel consumption by 15 per cent through the use of parasail-style kite, capable of towing the ship forward.

Meanwhile in the UK, Tesco last year starte d transporting wine from Liverpool to Manchester along the Manchester Ship Canal in a move it said would take 50 lorries a week off the road.