The Last Commercial Sailing Ship: Navigating the End of an Era

The end of an era for commercial sailing ships marks the transition from traditional maritime transportation to modernization and mechanization. Understanding when the last commercial sailing ship operated requires a glimpse into the historical context and the criteria used to define such a vessel.

Historical Context and Phasing Out

Sailing ships were gradually supplanted by steam and motorized vessels over the course of the 19th and 20th centuries. By the mid-20th century, most commercial shipping had migrated to motorized vessels. However, some traditional sailing ships continue to operate today for tourism and educational purposes.

For those seeking a specific instance, the last known commercial sailing cargo ship is considered to be the Cambria, a Thames barge captained by Bob Roberts from 1966 to 1970. This barge was used for trade in the 1990s but primarily serves as a tourist attraction today.

Modern Replicas and Continuation of Tradition

By the 1970s, regular trade with traditional sailing cargo ships was likely phased out. However, some modern replicas and traditional sailing ships continue to operate for tourism and educational purposes. Two notable examples include:

Fairtransport, a company based in the Netherlands with two ships in its fleet, the Nordlys and Tres Hombres. Both of these ships are rigged for sail and do not have engines. Between the late 1980s and early 1990s, a US-registered sailing cargo ship named Edna operated in the Pacific, regularly berthing in Honolulu Harbor. The ship was a topsail ketch and square rigger, and it was the only US-registered sailing cargo vessel at that time. It is believed the Edna sank near Palmyra around that time.

North European Waters: The Albatros

In North European waters, the Albatros was the last commercial sailing vessel to operate. This vessel used to carry soya meal from the Netherlands to a mill in Norfolk, UK, until the end of the 20th century. While an exact date is not specified, this marks the last known commercial sailing trade in these waters.

For places where trading under sail continues, a small amount of trading might still be taking place. However, such ships are increasingly rare and are often used for tourism and cultural preservation.

As the world advances, the legacy of the commercial sailing ship remains a reminder of a time when the wind was used to harness maritime power and the open seas.