Greenpeace International Executive Director Gerd Leipold yesterday signed a contract with the Fassmer Shipyard for construction of the ‘Rainbow Warrior III’.

The sailing ship, which is to be completed in time for Greenpeace's 40th anniversary in 2011, will include the latest in green technology.

This is the first time in the Greenpeace’s history that it has chosen to commission a purpose-built ship instead of refurbishing an older one.

The ‘Rainbow Warrior III’ will be built primarily to sail with the option in unsuitable weather conditions to switch over to engine-powered, diesel-electric propulsion. The A-frame design of the mast and the positioning of the sails has been optimised for efficiency and the shape of the hull has been designed for maximum fuel conservation. Heat created by the generators will be re-used to heat water on board and for engine pre-heating.