Our Flagship
An International Headliner
Sailcargo Inc.’s premier ship, Ceiba, is the flagship of the Ceiba Line fleet. This is the ship that has inspired international headlines, films, and more.
Zero Emission Propulsion
Ceiba uses zero emission propulsion. Primarily relying on wind power, ships of this line will have auxiliary electric motors for maneuvering in ports and low winds.
Construction Progress
Ceiba is currently under construction at our shipyard in Costa Rica. With consistent and regular investment, the ship will launch at the end of 2025.
A Time-Tested Design
Ceiba is a cargo vessel designed to carry 190 metric tonnes of goods. Harnessing the power of the wind, our first-built vessel proves the value of clean shipping in a competitive market.
Ceiba’s three-masts will provide sufficient sail area to move in very light winds, while allowing flexibility and maneuverability for sail changes during heavy weather. A lower sail area will help to stabilize the vessel, making it safer and easier to maneuver.
The design for Ceiba is inspired by the successful trading schooner Ingrid of the Åland Islands, Finland. Additional design elements have been made to ensure optimum carrying capacity, durability, safety and sailing efficiency.
With classic forms and applied knowledge from the culmination of 5,000+ years of evolution in the art of sail, Ceiba employs accessible sailing systems.
Ceiba's natural build materials make her the model of an efficient, profitable and sustainable shipping line.
VESSEL SPECIFICATIONS
Length Overall (LOA) 45m / 150ft
Length on Deck (LOD) 38m / 124ft
Length Water Line (LWL) 32m / 106ft
Height of Rig 33.5m / 110ft
Beam 8m / 26ft
Draught 4.3m / 14ft
Cargo Capacity
190 metric tonnes / 350 cubic meters
9 TEU (equivalent to nine 20ft. containers)
Tonnage 281 GT
Crew 12 crew + 12 guest crew
Mechanical Propulsion
100% Electric Engine, Lithium-ion (NCM) Batteries
Suit of Sails
Standard press 14 sails
6 additional hand sewn light-airs canvas
Sail Area
580 sqm (6,300 sqft)
Running Rigging
Classic 3-lay line
Primary Standing Rigging
Galvanized steel wire rope
Secondary Standing Rig
Served Dyneema / Spectra
Spars
Solid Sitka Spruce
Tree Species Used
Hymenaea courbaril (Jatoba)
Dialium guianense (Tamarindo de Monte)
Cedrela odorata (Spanish Cedar)
Picea sitchensis (Sitka Spruce)
Learn more about the different species used in our blog.
Naval Architect Pepijn van Schaik of Manta Marine Design is the lead architect behind Ceiba. His past work includes Tres Hombres, Europa, and Ópal.
Tradition Meets Advanced Technology
100% Renewable Energy Autonomy
Two 150kW electric motors with twin variable pitch propellers will act as a secondary propulsion system. Lithium-Ion (with NMC chemistry) batteries will be used. While under sail, Ceiba’s two variable pitch propellers will be capable of generating electricity, thus recharging the propulsion batteries.
Safety And Regulation
In order to trade in international waters, Ceiba is built to meet high levels of safety regulations set out by the Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS) Convention, as well as the necessary obligations required by our classification society. These guidelines cover overall stability, bilge pumping, firefighting, safety appliances, crew safety and communication.
Cargo Loading
Cargo loading and unloading is made easier through the use of ‘Super Sacks’. These industrial, lightweight containers are moved through a built-in rail system designed inside the ship. Two cargo hatches allow for simultaneous maneuvering. This increases flexibility and storage options when loading and unloading cargo.
Sustainably Harvested Shipbuilding Timber
Costa Rica’s strict forestry laws, along with our own ethical standards and sustainable partner network, ensure that all lumber is sustainably harvested.
Next to our sustainable timber sourcing practices, we have an ongoing reforestation program. This program reforests exploited land while supplying shipbuilding timber for future generations.
Ceiba: Building Progress
Our first ship Ceiba is growing everyday. To give you a better overview over the development we have summarized all major achievements on our Milestones page.
Our Green Shipyard
Our eco shipyard is one of the biggest employers in our rural Costa Rican community and brings people from all over the world to our little village, Punta Morales.
Meet The Team
Our team is comprised of members from Costa Rica and around the world. Get to know the people which create Ceiba and contribute to a future of clean shipping.