Trade Winds: A Voyage to a Sustainable Future for Shipping

In 2020, Christiaan De Beukelaer embarked on a 150-day journey aboard the schooner Avontuur, traveling 14,000 nautical miles to understand the realities of the shipping industry and its contribution to carbon emissions. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the crew to stay on board for months, making the journey longer than expected. Trade winds explores De Beukelaer's personal odyssey and the industry's efforts to cut carbon emissions, emphasizing the urgency of decarbonizing shipping to solve the climate crisis.

Format: Hardback
Length: 376 pages
Publication date: 24 January 2023
Publisher: Manchester University Press

In 2020, Christiaan De Beukelaer embarked on an extraordinary adventure aboard the schooner Avontuur, a century-old sailing vessel that traverses the Atlantic Ocean carrying cargo. With a determination to explore the realities of a lesser-known alternative to the shipping industry, which contributes more carbon emissions than aviation, he set sail from Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Initially planned as a three-week fieldwork stint, the COVID-19 pandemic turned his journey into a five-month odyssey as borders closed, preventing the crew from stepping ashore for extended periods.

Trade Winds vividly chronicles De Beukelaer's transformative personal odyssey and the intricate path the shipping industry is undertaking to reduce its carbon footprint. The Avontuur's mission remains paramount, as the shipping industry urgently needs to transition away from fossil fuels and embrace cleaner alternatives. Failure to decarbonize shipping promptly will hinder our ability to address the climate crisis.

During his remarkable voyage, De Beukelaer witnessed firsthand the impact of the shipping industry on the environment. The ship's engines emitted pollutants, contributing to air pollution and climate change. He also observed the challenges faced by the crew, who worked tirelessly to navigate the vessel through rough seas and maintain its operations despite the pandemic's restrictions.

Trade Winds sheds light on the urgent need for sustainable solutions in the shipping industry. It highlights the role of technology, such as electric and hybrid engines, as well as the adoption of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, to reduce carbon emissions. The book also emphasizes the importance of regulatory measures and incentives to encourage the industry's transition to a greener future.

De Beukelaer's journey aboard the Avontuur serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of humans in the face of adversity. It highlights the interconnectedness of our global economy and the urgency of addressing climate change. Through his storytelling, Trade Winds inspires readers to consider the impact of their choices and to support initiatives that promote sustainable transportation and reduce carbon emissions.

In conclusion, Trade Winds is a captivating and informative book that delves into the complexities of the shipping industry and presents a compelling case for sustainable solutions. It encourages readers to embrace a greener future and to recognize the critical role that the shipping industry plays in shaping our planet's destiny. By embarking on this journey, we can work towards a more sustainable and resilient world.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526163097