A 1920s-era Germany schooner “The Avontuur”, docked in Montreal on Saturday. The ship’s arrival marks a significant feat, as the first 21st century eco-friendly transatlantic commercial crossing

The ship’s arrival at the Montreal’s Old Port could be perceived as a means to attract tourist to the destination considering its uniqueness. Organizers though, said that the ship’s presence in Montreal serves a purpose: “To deliver cargo efficiently from Europe to North America.”

The schooner which is wind powered graced the Montreal harbour as part of a project that aims to provide business and consumers with environment-friendly shipping options—a welcome development in an already populated Earth’s atmosphere.

The Avontuur boat sailed from La Rochelle in France to Montreal, making the voyage the first of its kind, and signalling a new age in transport technology.

The schooner has been actively engaged over the past few months, carrying cargo consisting of mainly French artisanal work and champagne. The boat arrived Montreal with some fabrics that are intended for Cirque du Soleil’s costume designers.

The Avontuur was launched by PortFranc, a retail company based in Montreal and got approval from the Quebec government. The project’s aim is to create “green” sea route between Europe and North America—considering most of the world’s cargos are transported using heavy oil, which constitutes pollution.

It’s important to note that the sailing of the Avontuur is much slower than conventional cargo transportation, but then PortFranc aims at using the boat’s environmentally friendly and technologically innovative characteristics to attract customers.

The organizers are optimistic that come 2019; five transatlantic round trips would have been completed.

The Avontuur— which was manufactured in 1920, got renovated  in 2016. It is now equipped with numerous solar panels and high grade wind turbines.