Nantes Saint-Nazaire Développement announces the 4th edition of Wind for Goods
The world’s only event fully dedicated to wind-propelled shipping will take place on June 16–17, 2027, in Saint-Nazaire, France.
Announced today at SMM 2026 in Hamburg, the world’s leading maritime trade fair, held this year under the theme “Driving the Maritime Transition”, Wind for Goods returns for a 4th edition, organized by Nantes SaintNazaire Développement in collaboration with Wind Ship and the International Windship Association (IWSA).
Wind propulsion is one of the few decarbonization technologies the shipping industry can deploy today. As the sector accelerates its transition, the pressure to cut emissions is building fast: maritime transport accounts for 3% of the 40 billion tonnes of CO2 released into the atmosphere every year, and it was the first industry to formally commit to carbon neutrality by 2050, through the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Wind propulsion is experiencing strong growth in France and around the world. In 2026, France already has 18 vessels equipped with wind propulsion systems in operation, 14 vessels on order, and 3 plants dedicated to the manufacturing and assembly of wind propulsion systems.
Worldwide, the milestone of 100 vessels equipped with wind propulsion systems has been surpassed, representing 230 systems installed and a total transport capacity of 5.5 million DWT. This is in addition to the 120 vessels currently in the order book.
Antoine Adam, Director of Business Attraction Nantes Saint-Nazaire Développement, organizer of WFG,
“With this 4th edition, Wind for Goods is confirming its place as the reference event for wind-assisted shipping worldwide. We’re bringing the whole value chain to Saint-Nazaire (France), from prototypes to policymakers, to accelerate the sector’s transition.”
Wind for Goods brings the international wind-propulsion community together for two days of sea trials, vessel demonstrations, prototype and sail exhibitions, roundtables, conferences and B2B meetings in Saint-Nazaire, the port city at the heart of France’s shipbuilding and maritime-energy industry.
Claire Hugues, Vice-President of the Pays de la Loire Regional Council in charge of Maritime Affairs,
“Concentrating a significant share of jobs and projects in France, the Pays de la Loire region plays a driving role in the maritime decarbonization. Convinced of the wind propulsion’s potential, serving the ecological transition and job creation, the Regional Council has been supporting Wind for Goods since the beginning, as well as many local stakeholders developing innovative solutions.”
Three ambitions
- Showcase wind-propulsion solutions and the technologies driving them forward
- Foster connections and synergies between the industry’s key players
- Inform, mobilize and engage financiers, shipowners, cargo owners, policymakers and industrial leaders
A fast-growing international gathering
The last edition of Wind for Goods brought together more than 1,000 visitors from 35 countries, over 70 exhibitors, and around twenty wind-propulsion innovations. Engineering firms, shipowners, equipment manufacturers, industrial groups, cargo owners, economic networks, competitiveness clusters, research and vtraining institutions, investors and policymakers are expected to convene once again for the 2027 edition.
« Having brought together over 750 companies from more than 30 countries in its last edition, Wind for Goods has cemented its reputation over the past six years as the first event for wind-powered maritime propulsion. In 2027, we invite global maritime stakeholders to join us in Saint-Nazaire for the 4th edition of Wind for Goods, where they can explore the full potential of this tangible solution — one that directly addresses the critical challenges of maritime transport’s transition to sustainability. » — Lise Detrimont, CEO, Wind Ship
Building on SMM’s momentum
The announcement at SMM 2026 reflects the growing industrial and political traction wind propulsion is gaining worldwide, a momentum that lines up directly with this year’s SMM theme. Wind for Goods 2027 will give the sector a dedicated stage to build on that momentum, one year ahead of the event.
About Nantes Saint-Nazaire Développement
The Nantes Saint-Nazaire Développement agency aims to foster the responsible economic development of the Nantes and Saint-Nazaire French region. This association, an association supported by Nantes and Saint-Nazaire cities & chamber of commerce, works to unite, attract, and promote impactful economic stakeholders. Internet website: https://www.nantes-saintnazaire.fr/en/
More info: https://www.windforgoods.fr/en
Contacts
Florence Guédas
Nantes Saint-Nazaire Développement
florence.guedas@nantes-saintnazaire.fr
+33 6 83 35 15 20
Delphine Barbeau
The New One (press liaison)
d.barbeau@thenewone.fr
+33 (0)6 29 21 63 66
