Schooner Apollonia and Attentive Energy Partner to Showcase Sustainable Initiatives in Highlands 

Local Event Highlights Wind Powered Freight Transport and Offshore Wind energy as Part of a Broader Push for Zero-Carbon Solutions in New Jersey

September 22, 2024, Highlands, NJ – The Schooner Apollonia, a sustainable sail freight vessel powered entirely by wind, made its first visit to the Highlands on Sunday morning. Attentive Energy, an offshore wind company working in New Jersey, hosted a community event aboard the schooner docked at Bahr’s Landing, where more than 50 attendees gathered to learn about the potential of zero-carbon shipping. The event highlighted the growing demand for sustainable solutions in both energy production and transportation.

The Apollonia, captained by Sam Merrett, is a 64-foot sailing vessel dedicated to reducing carbon emissions in freight transport. The ship, with a cargo capacity of 20,000 pounds, has transported over 200,000 pounds of cargo since 2020 using wind, tide, and current. During this visit, it will be transporting 150 pounds of coffee beans from Jersey Shore Coffee Roasters up the Hudson River to Kingston, New York. The Schooner Apollonia’s journey from the Jersey Shore to Hudson Valley is a symbolic start for NJ-NY sail freight cargo hauls and the Schooner aims to deliver more substantial cargo loads.

“We’re proud to demonstrate that sustainable shipping isn’t just a vision for the future—it’s happening right now,” said Captain Sam Merrett. “Great connections were made in the Highlands community today. Our partnership with local businesses like Jersey Shore Coffee Roasters and with clean energy companies like Attentive Energy highlights how we can reduce emissions in everyday commerce. I’m excited to continue to share this mission around the Jersey Shore community and beyond.”

The event, hosted by Attentive Energy, provided the local community with an opportunity to tour the schooner, meet the crew, and learn about the ship’s zero-emission cargo transport. Attentive Energy, which is developing the Attentive Energy Two offshore wind project 42 miles off the coast of NJ, partnered with the Schooner Apollonia to raise awareness of how renewable energy sources like offshore wind can integrate with other sustainable practices to help reduce carbon footprints across various sectors.

“We’re committed to driving a transition toward a cleaner, more sustainable future,” said Damian Bednarz, Managing Director of Attentive Energy. “Partnering with the Schooner Apollonia allows us to demonstrate how offshore wind and sustainable freight transport – both powered by wind – can work together to deliver zero-carbon solutions and economic opportunities for local communities.”

The event drew local business owners and community members, as well as individuals from environmental organizations, the Navesink Maritime Heritage Association, and Monmouth University, interested in learning how renewable energy and traditional industries can come together to create a more sustainable economy. Both Attentive Energy and the Schooner Apollonia aim to inspire greater action toward reducing carbon emissions in both the energy and transportation sectors.