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EcoClipper partners blockchain company in financing first windship

Photo: EcoClipper Founder CEO EcoClipper - Jorne Langelaan.jpg
EcoClipper CEO and founder, Captain Jorne Langelaan
In a marriage of old and new a Dutch windship owner aiming to revive Clipper sailing ships is partnering with a blockchain company.

Dutch-based Eco-Clipper is developing wind-powered, emission free cargoships and has partnered blockchain company Bondex as seeks to raise capital for its first vessel.

EcoClipper aims to operate a series of EcoClipper 500 sailing ships, a steel hull replica version of 1857 Dutch clipper ship Noach, to carry both cargo and passengers, initially starting operations in the North Sea connecting the UK and Europe. The vessel would be able to carry 500 tonnes of cargo.

Opening for investment EcoClipper plans to build its fleet one vessel at a time. A series of investment tranches are offered through certificates in the EcoClipper Coöperatie U.A. the first of which aims to bring EUR140,000 to finance a retrofit vessel.

Investments for the first tranche start at 50 certificates for a total price of EUR350, with early purchase rounds offered at a discount. The investment section of the company’s website says it has so far raised EUR88,930 from 63 investors.

Future funding rounds two and three aim to bring in nearly EUR1m.

EcoClipper CEO and founder, Captain Jorne Langelaan says, “At the end of last year, during the climate talks in Glasgow, it became obvious again that if we want a livable future all our industries need an immediate and absolute transition to sustainability. With EcoClipper, words are put into practice and everyone is invited to join and invest in shipping propelled by the power of the wind.”