Our sustainable SHIPYARD IN Costa Rica
Costa Rica
Our Home Port
Costa Rica has declared a commitment to become a carbon neutral country by 2050. It also uses 98% renewable energy. Our intentions are in line.
AstilleroVerde
Green Shipyard
Our eco shipyard aims to be an example to the world: a model that will inspire organic construction, regenerative systems and transformation of coastal communities.
Dynamic Portfolio
Clean Cargo Ships
Our portfolio champions innovation. We build and teach a variety of vessel designs and develop clean propulsion options, from small open boats to competitive large-scale, ocean-going ships.
SAILCARGO INC.
Headquarters
The SAILCARGO company group is aiming to decarbonise the maritime sector, starting at the AstilleroVerde shipyard, the headquarters of all operations.
AstilleroVerde translates as 'green shipyard', which this place is in more ways than one. This is a leading environmentally-conscious shipyard. It is also physically green due to the protection and expansion of its natural green spaces.
The yard boasts rustic but robust buildings that have a minimal impact: the shipbuilding hangar, the steel shop, woodworking shops, an outdoor kitchen with clay oven, open-air offices, tree-planting nursery, greenhouse, food gardens and more.
A Shipyard for Coastal Communities
AstilleroVerde is a nonprofit association registered in Costa Rica. As an affiliate 501(c)3, donations made are eligible to be tax-deductible in the U.S. through our U.S. partners Amigos of Costa Rica and the CRUSA Foundation. Here, at our eco-shipyard, we run an annual tree planting and care program which works to offset the carbon emissions of SAILCARGO INC. and other initiatives. Donate to AstilleroVerde if you want to support our community workshops or environmental program.
AstilleroVerde is located in one of the most financially vulnerable regions of Costa Rica, where educational and employment opportunities are sparse. We are thankful to be able to provide gainful work to two Women’s Associations and provide job opportunities that include paid training. Read about two people from our community, Yamileth and Davys, who have benefitted from AstilleroVerde.
Take our Shipyard Tour
Our beautiful shipyard is located in the small coastal village Punta Morales in Costa Rica. We aim to set an example for regenerative building techniques and incorporating nature into a construction site, while preserving and protecting its wildlife. Can’t visit out shipyard in person? Take our digital tour! Our founder and CEO will show you all the important spaces of our shipyard. If you would like to visit our shipyard in person, please contact [email protected].
Clean Cargo Ship Designs
Every vessel is a solution to a specific problem or challenge. Each is designed to fit the needs of the service it is intended for: a small, open boat responds perfectly to the needs of coastal fishing communities that use artisanal methods. A modest coastal schooner capable of transporting the equivalent of one container (TEU) nimbly provides service between island chains, such as the Caribbean or Hawai’i. Larger, more modern designs can compete at a global level while eliminating shipping emissions. Contact us if you would like to learn more about our vision for AstilleroVerde.
naval architecture DESIGN PORTFOLIO
Ceiba Line Vessel
Specifications
Length Overall: 36m / 148ft
Cargo Capacity: 9 TEU / 250 tons / 350m3
Worldwide Range, optimal 2,000nm - 6,000nm
Design by Pepijn van Schaik of Manta Marine Design
Ceiba is being built now at AstilleroVerde, a second project, working name “Pitaya” is being considered. Drawings by Pepijn van Schaik of Manta Marine Design. The design is taken from the successful trading schooner Ingrid, of the Åland Islands.
Coastal Schooner
Specifications
Length Overall: 20m / 66ft
Cargo Capacity: 1 TEU / 20 tons
Trading Range: 500nm - 1,000nm
Design by Ville Lindén, naval architect of Finland, with input from SAILCARGO INC.
To be built at AstilleroVerde, Costa Rica. It may be built at a future shipyard, perhaps the Bahamas. This praised design was the thesis project of Lindén, with some contributions from SAILCARGO INC.
Small Fishing Boat
Specifications
Length Overall: 5-8m / 16-24ft
Cargo Capacity: <1TEU / 1-2 tons / 2-5m3
Trading Range: 1-25nm
Fuel Consumption TBD
Design by Øyvind Gulbrandsen & Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Not sold for profit, in accordance with the U.N. stipulations.
This portfolio demonstrates a range of options, from small open day-vessels to long-range ocean carriers. Our team works with professional naval architect firms to provide designs for clean cargo ships. These ships may work independently, or as part of a greater hub-and-spoke system that offers decentralized services. This portfolio may be changed, refined, and expanded to meet the needs of SAILCARGO INC. partners.
Alongside the sails, these vessels engines may be powered by electric batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, or algae bio-fuel, and have the potential to provide refrigerated cargo. Each ship would provide gainful employment in the green-blue economy sector, with skills that are transferrable to the existing maritime sector. Wooden vessels, such as the coastal schooner and the Ceiba Line ships, often work for up to a century.
SAILCARGO INC. aspires to build even larger ships, and is seeking partners. Contact us to learn more about our larger design vision.
"As a biologist, I see AstilleroVerde as a joyful example of humans and nature coexisting. Dozens of beautiful tropical bird species call the shipyard home; chatty bay wrens nest in the cashew tree, brilliant turquoise-browed motmots keep you company in the treehouse office, and bright pink roseate spoonbills fish at the water’s edge. The mangroves lining the shore are an important and endangered habitat, and the fact that the shipyard is preserving their mangroves makes it a site of great ecological value."EMILY HOLLENBECK
PhD Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Our Nonprofit on Instagram
Be sure to keep up to date with the programs and developments of our nonprofit shipyard association AstilleroVerde. Follow us on Instagram for daily inspiration.
Come work with us
Join our international team of craftspeople that believe in doing what you love with a little care and a lot of sweat! Learn more about who we’re looking for to join our team.
Connect with us
If you would like to speak about a larger donation to our nonprofit, or perhaps design an educational course for our coastal community, get in touch today. Our team is also looking forward to tree planting season 2021.