The first flying model of the upper stage of Europe’s next-generation. Ariane 6 rocket has been installed onboard Canopy, the world’s first wind-powered hybrid industrial cargo ship. The operation was carried out by the German ports. And also logistics company BLG Logistics and took place on 6 February 2024 in Neustätter-Hafen, Bremen. This milestone event marked the first deployment of its kind for a special eco-friendly vessel. Built in 2022 and two firsts for the first upper stage of Ariane 6. Which will however soon blast off into space.
We have been loading finished rocket parts in Neustädter’s Hafen for many years. Explains Matthias Magnor, Managing Director and also COO of the BLG Group. As explained, the fact that the precious cargo on board will one day fly into space is something special. However even for the most experienced employees of Neustaedter Hafen. According to the company, the loading was actually planned one day in advance. However, weather conditions on Monday morning made it impossible to load the precious cargo safely. In the evening, the wind stopped, and we were able to start loading as planned. The roll-on roll-off (RoRo) ship departed Germany for its next destination. The Netherlands, before heading to a launch site in French Guiana.The Ariane 6 heavy-lift rocket is scheduled to launch from Corot, the European Space Agency’s spaceport in Guyana, in mid-2024.
BREMEN
Today is a good day for Bremen. With the delivery of the Ariane 6 upper stage, Bremen’s space industry continues its remarkable success story. With the upper stage manufactured in Bremen, Ariane 6 will also be part of the European space program. It is a central component and an excellent ambassador for Bremen in space.I would like to thank everyone involved in the planning and construction,” said Bremen Mayor Andreas Bofenschulte.”Congratulations to the team at Ariane Group in Bremen. Thanks to their tireless efforts, we were able to take delivery of the first upper stage of the new Ariane 6 today.” We are now focused on making Ariane 6’s first launch a success. This guarantees Europe’s independent access to space, which has never been more important than today,” said Economic Affairs Senator Christina Vogt.
The BLG Logistics
Ariane 6 transport canopy vessel is the first industrial hybrid vessel to be powered by wind energy. In addition to its two diesel engines, the Canopy is equipped with four-wing sails manufactured by the French company AYRO, which aims to reduce average annual fuel consumption by 30%. In October 2023, Canopy arrived at Neustaedter Herhafen for testing. Canopy collects all of Ariane’s parts and transports them to Kourou, where they will be assembled. Canopée belonged to the shipping company Alizés and was awarded “Ship of the Year 2023”.
