At Voyager Coffee, we constantly explore new ways to make our coffee journey more sustainable—from farm to cup. When we heard about the Ship by Sail project, we jumped at the chance to transport exceptional Colombian coffee across the Atlantic via cargo sail ship. This initiative offers a rare glimpse into the often-unseen side of coffee’s journey, highlights the environmental impact of the shipping industry, and brings together incredible collaborations—all while delivering great coffee.
A Collaborative Effort for Change
This unique project was made possible through the partnership of New Dawn Traders and coffee importer Cofinet. New Dawn Traders champion sustainable shipping, using wind power to transport cargo across the globe and raising awareness about the environmental impact of traditional shipping. Cofinet, an importer deeply connected to the coffee producers they work with, focuses on nurturing long-term relationships with farmers and ensuring that the coffee they source is grown sustainably and ethically. Together, through collaboration and teamwork, they have made it possible to bring these coffees all the way to Devon.
The Voyage: A Journey Across the Atlantic
The coffee’s journey was far from ordinary. The Ide Min, a sailing cargo vessel originally built as an East German tugboat in 1957, set sail from Amsterdam last November. The ship traversed nearly 4,300 nautical miles on its transatlantic voyage, making stops in France, Spain, Suriname, Guadeloupe, and the Dominican Republic before reaching Santa Marta, Colombia in May.
“What was meant to be a 4-month round trip turned into a 7-month odyssey.” — New Dawn Traders
The crew faced numerous challenges on their journey, including unpredictable weather, from calm days with little wind to towering waves that required constant sail adjustments. Repairs and maintenance were often carried out mid-voyage, adding to the daily struggles of life at sea. Amid these challenges, the crew found moments of joy—whether it was fishing, cooking together, or even a surprising encounter with a flying fish that landed in a crew member’s bed!
After loading coffee and panela in Santa Marta, the Ide Min began its journey back to the UK, making a final stop in the Azores before arriving in Falmouth, Cornwall. Once unloaded by hand, the coffee continued its zero-emission journey to Devon via electric van, ready for roasting.
Highlighting the Impact of Shipping
This project isn’t just about coffee; it’s a statement against the environmental impact of traditional shipping. The global shipping industry, with over 90,000 container ships in operation, burns heavy fuel oil, contributing over a billion tons of CO2 annually. In 2020 alone, the UK imported around 42,000 tons of green coffee, equivalent to about 2,333 shipping containers. While traditional shipping costs may be low, the environmental toll is immense—affecting our health, contributing to climate change, and impacting the planet’s wellbeing.
Shipping by sail offers a glimpse of what is possible when we prioritise sustainability over convenience. Though more expensive and logistically challenging, the reduced carbon footprint and environmental benefits make it a worthy endeavour. By supporting initiatives like New Dawn Traders, we can push for change in an industry that often remains hidden from view.
Introducing the Coffee: Luz Helena Salazar
The journey this coffee has undertaken should not overshadow its exceptional quality. This micro lot comes from Luz Helena Salazar, a dedicated coffee producer from Armenia, Quindío, Colombia. With over 20 years of experience, Luz has perfected the art of coffee cultivation, focusing on quality and sustainable practices. Her coffee, grown at high altitudes and processed with care, reflects the hard work and expertise of her community. Expect a beautifully balanced cup with tasting notes of grapefruit, plum, and milk chocolate. Enjoy a bright citrus zing, stone fruit sweetness, and a smooth, smooth chocolate finish. Alongside Luz Helena’s lot, shipped by sail is a Popayan Colombian sugarcane decaf, set to launch later this year, adding another delicious decaffeinated coffee to our offering.
Why Ship by Sail Matters to Voyager
At Voyager Coffee, understanding the entire journey of our product—from farm to cup—is essential. Our commitment to sustainable practices drives us to seek better ways to bring coffee to you, and projects like Ship by Sail perfectly reflect this mission. Small actions, like choosing wind-powered shipping, can create big changes, raising awareness and challenging industries to rethink their practices.
We are proud to share this incredible coffee with you, knowing it has travelled thousands of miles with minimal environmental impact. We invite you to taste Luz Helena’s coffee and be part of this journey toward a more sustainable future.
In partnership with UK coffee week, 10% of sales from this coffee will be donated to support Project Waterfall, a charity dedicated to bringing clean water, sanitation, and education to coffee-growing communities worldwide.
Discover our shipped by sail coffee here Colombia | Luz Helena and enjoy coffee with a positive impact.