A Sail Cargo Network for London and the Thames Estuary

Raybel Charters has released a report on an investigation into opening a sailing cargo network in the Thames estuary, focused on transport to and from London.

The Raybel is a 1920 Thames Barge, which was restored and used for sailing charters in the Thames Estuary, and is now being used again for sailing cargo transport. Raybel Charters is a ‘Community Interest Company’ for maritime heritage. The company is not for profit; all proceeds are reinvested in its core heritage, environmental, trading and transport activities. Besides sailing freight, it does heritage, environmental, art and regeneration projects in and around the Thames Estuary.

Research

The report describes the results of research between September 2023 and March 2024, funded by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation. The aim of the research was to document the activities and results of our first five-year ‘proof of concept’ work, pioneering transatlantic sail cargo transatriation of our first five-year ‘proof of concept’ work, pioneering transatlantic sail cargo voyages to London. It also collected feedback from across the industry, which will help further develop a viable sailing freight network along the Thames Estuary.

Manifesto

The research broadly initiated the conversation between Raybel and its many partners, companies, customers and supporters. It also led to contacts with new actors. Moreover, the project provided insights into how the sail cargo network could be better coordinated and expanded along the Thames and into London over the next three to five years.
Based on this, a ‘Sail Cargo Manifesto’ was drafted, uniting the industry by setting out the actions we all believe should be taken in the coming years, including making proposals for change to other organisations.

Read the entire report here.
Image: The Raybel as a sailing freighter with wheelhouse, in 1980 (Raybel Charters).

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