on the high seas

A few days ago I wrote about the growing challenge faced by African producers in competing with other countries that supply low-carbon products. Now French vintners have thrown down the gauntlet, challenging South Africa's wine estates:

This month 60,000 bottles from Languedoc will be shipped to Ireland in a 19th-century barque, saving 22,680kg of carbon.

Further voyages to Bristol and Manchester in England and even to Canada are planned soon afterwards.

The three-mast barque Belem, which was launched in 1896, the last French merchant sailing vessel to be built, will sail into Dublin after a voyage from Bordeaux that should last about four days.

The wines will be delivered to Bordeaux by barge using the Canal du Midi and Canal du Garonne, which run across southern France from Sete in the east, via Beziers in Languedoc.

Can there be any better way to ship wine?

But wind power could also assist modern cargo ships. Trials are underway using giant kites that could save 10% - 15% of fuel costs on the 10,000-tonne Beluga Skysail, and if these are successful, larger kites may be used, potentially saving up to 35%. "The largest kites could be as big as 5,000 sq metres and theoretically be capable of assisting giant container ships."