1st AstilleroVerde Press Release
Nestled between the biodiverse mangroves that line the property and the town of Punta Morales, Costa Rica, exists an inspiring non-profit organization, AstilleroVerde. Created alongside SAILCARGO INC., a carbon negative shipbuilding company, AstilleroVerde’s mission is to generate educational workshops, economic opportunities, and ecological thinking in Punta Morales, Costa Rica and beyond. Our shipyard is home to Ceiba, the world’s largest wooden cargo ship under construction, soon to sail sustainably produced goods along the Pacific Americas. Of interest to the maritime community and those in the realm of sustainable development, this project represents an iconic endeavour to embark upon emission free cargo shipping.
Constructed from local, sustainably sourced timber, this premier Costa Rican vessel will be a beacon of hope in a shipping industry fraught with environmentally damaging practices. Designed by architect Pepijn Van Schaik of Manta Marine Design B.V., and based on the 1906 trading schooner, INGRID of the Åland Islands, the keel of the tall ship was laid on January 8th, 2019 and the first frames were raised shortly thereafter. Currently, 33 of the 56 frames are in place, the remainder scheduled for completion by July, 2020. With a carrying capacity of 250 metric tons, we hope to see Ceiba set sail for her maiden voyage in 2022.
Costa Rica’s sole traditional shipyard is uniquely positioned to pass on technical shipbuilding and woodworking skills to the local community. Hosting expert shipwrights, carpenters, and other professionals from around the world while employing half of our staff locally, a wealth of skills and knowledge grace this shipyard. Sharing these skills through educational workshops as well as supporting sustainable economic development in the region are core components of AstilleroVerde.
Previous workshops have successfully engaged the local community in hands-on boat building courses. These workshops resulted in small fishing vessels while passing on valuable expertise and creating opportunities for attendees. Following our first course, generous donations made it possible to build and equip an education center dedicated to the outreach component of AstilleroVerde.
The upcoming blacksmithing course taught by Med Chandler and Jack McAuliffe, experienced blacksmiths and educators from the United States, will take place between the 10th and 21st of February 2020. Located at our education center at the AstilleroVerde shipyard, the course will teach 10-12 community members basic forging and blacksmithing skills and how to create woodworking tools such as hammers, caulking irons, chisels, and hatchets. This free workshop will instill knowledge and practical trade skills in participants while highlighting the value of sustainable practices. We look forward to welcoming the Acorn to Arabella team, Steve Denette and Alix Kreder, an impressive duo whose fan base have generously donated equipment to the AstilleroVerde project.
Alongside protecting the environment and providing free courses for local people of the region, we also create jobs for underserved members of the community. Working with the women’s associations from the area who provide invaluable contributions to the garden and kitchen is another channel through which community engagement and support is achieved. Satisfying the majority of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through our efforts, here we work towards SDG 5, Gender Equality, and look forward to working with more women from the community moving forward. Future ambitions of AstilleroVerde include facilitation of community projects as well as working with organisations and community members to plant the trees that will make the construction of Ceiba a regenerative process.
For more information or to support, please visit www.astilleroverde.org or email info@astilleroverde.org. Our instagram account can be found at @astilleroverde.
