CAPVENT

The CAPVENT project aims to develop and implement a training program dedicated to careers in wind propulsion in order to support the energy transition in maritime transport.

Led by Nantes University as part of the France 2030 program, the project brings together various academic, industrial, and institutional stakeholders in the maritime sector around a common goal: to develop the skills needed for the growth of wind-powered maritime transport.

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Today, maritime transport accounts for nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In light of international emission reduction targets, sail propulsion emerges as a credible and immediately implementable solution.

Rigid sails, wings, rotors, and kites can now be used to assist or partially replace conventional ship propulsion. However, this technological transformation creates significant demand for new skills in the following areas:

• the design of sail systems;
• manufacturing and maintenance;
• the operation of hybrid ships;
• navigation and energy routing.

The CAPVENT project aims to adapt maritime and industrial training programs to support the scaling up of this emerging sector.

CAPVENT is developing a range of training programs from middle school through engineering level, covering both initial and continuing education.

The project is organized around four key areas:

raising awareness of and promoting the appeal of maritime professions;
adapting existing training programs;
creating specialization modules and continuing education courses;
establishing a “Employment, Training, and Skills” chair.

The training programs cover the entire sailing vessel value chain:

• engineering and design;
• manufacturing and industrialization;
• maintenance;
• vessel operations;
• logistics, safety, maritime law, and economics

The French Maritime Academy plays a central role in training programs related to the operation of sail-powered vessels.

In particular, ENSM teams are involved in:

integrating sailing modules into officer training programs;
training crews in the operation of hybrid vessels;
developing continuing education modules;
and promoting the CREwWIND e-learning module.

The goal is to prepare future officers and marine engineers for new navigation practices related to sailing technologies.

CAPVENT plans to develop several innovative educational tools:

• an immersive sailing simulator developed in collaboration with D-ICE Engineering;
• lightweight simulators accessible remotely;
• digital tools for route planning and energy efficiency;
• hybrid modules combining e-learning, hands-on field training, and experimentation.

These tools will make it possible to replicate the real-world operating conditions of sail-powered vessels and enhance the operational skills of sailors and industry professionals.

Supported under the France 2030 initiative, CAPVENT is helping to build a self-sufficient French sail propulsion industry.

The project addresses the growing needs of industry and supports the creation of jobs related to carbon-free maritime transport.

Beyond environmental challenges, CAPVENT also works to promote:

• the attractiveness of maritime professions;
• the increased representation of women in the maritime sector;
• the inclusion of people who are far from the job market;
• the development of future-oriented skills for sustainable maritime transport.

 ENSM Contact Points:   

• Pascal LEBLOND, pascal.leblond@supmaritime.fr

• Sophie LEROY-NEIRINCK, sophie.leroy-neirinck@supmaritime.fr

ENSM participants in the project:

• Christophe VANHORICK – Instructor in Hydrodynamics, Thermodynamics, Offshore Engineering, and Energy ManagementResearch Fellow in Ship Physics and Energy Transition

christophe.vanhorick@supmaritime.fr

• Pierre CHIFFOLEAU – Instructor in Marine Science and Merchant Ship Construction, Safety, and Operations

pierre.chiffolleau@supmaritime.fr