Aegean Cargo Sailing

Introduction

In July 2022, we were delighted to sponsor the Aegean Cargo Sailing's Promotional voyage in 23 Greek islands.

The Aegean Cargo Sailing is an initiative of the social cooperative enterprise "Aegean Sails" (Istia Aigaiou), whose mission is to promote the sailing transportation of ecological products, combined with cultural tourism in the Aegean Sea.

Their goal is to sail towards a sustainable blue economy which does not depend on polluting fossil fuels. By using alternative energy sources, they want to ensure the interconnectedness of islands and the transport of products with zero carbon footprint, thus helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in maritime transport.

About the Promotional Aegean Cargo Sailing Round

The round of 23 Aegean islands will take place from the 2nd of July until the 28th of August 2022. The islands to be visited are Kea, Andros, Skyros, Skopelos, Alonnisos, Limnos, Lesvos, Chios, Ikaria, Samos, Patmos, Lipsi, Kalymnos, Astypalea, Anafi, Santorini, Ios, Shinoussa, Paros, Antiparos, Sifnos, Syros & Tinos.

Batteries, photovoltaics and a wind turbine have been installed to Pelago -a vessel that belongs to the fleet of the Aegean Cargo Sailing-, making it the first solar electric transport sailboat in the world.

Pelago has passed the first test of energy autonomy with tangible proof of success, after having completed its tour around the Peloponnese (350 nautical miles) using only clean energy sources (wind and solar). Now, it will be accompanied by Marina Star sailboat where visitors, volunteers, tour operators, and journalists are aboard, excited to spread the word of this journey's purposes:

- public awareness about the carbon footprint of products' transportation and distribution

- promotion of sailing and electrification as solutions for emissions-free transportation

- support of the local products and the cultural & gastronomic eco-tourism in Greece

- building of strong synergies between island municipalities, environmental organizations, and local cooperatives.