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VELA Unveils Unique 100% Wind Powered Sailing Cargo Trimaran

VELA, committed to the decarbonization of the maritime freight industry, has proudly unveiled the design of its first-of-its-kind trimaran cargo ship that will allow the company to transport goods across the Atlantic Ocean using 100% wind power. The visionary team of François Gabart (renowned solo navigator and world-class ocean racer), Michael Fernandez-Ferri, Pierre-Arnaud Vallon, Thibault Charles and Pascal Galacteros unveiled the design, which had been in development since September 2022 and for which production is set to start early 2024.

Departing from the conventional single-hulled approach, and inspired by the modern technologies used for ocean racing, VELA’s sailing cargo vessel will have three hulls and is anticipated to be launched in 2025.

Reducing the environmental footprint of Maritime Transport

By adopting the innovative trimaran concept for its cargo ship, VELA meets several criteria for reducing the environmental impact of maritime transport, which currently accounts for 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions (a figure projected to rise to 17% by 2050 if no action is taken). Extensive analysis by the VELA team led to the impressive claim of a 99% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in propulsion compared to conventional container ships .

The choice of a trimaran design also enhances stability and ensures the safety of the cargo, while providing a comfortable experience for the sailors on board. Additionally, by harnessing the abundant wind resources of the ocean and not having to take fuel costs into account, VELA is able to provide high transportation capacity at a fixed and fair price, accommodating up to 450 U.S. pallets (equivalent to 51 TEU containers or 560 EU pallets).

Beyond the elimination of greenhouse gasses during the voyage, VELA also has a lesser environmental impact than other cargo ships by being built with recycled aluminum with interiors made from bio-sourced and geo-sourced materials. All components of the ship have also been designed to be dismantled for reuse on other VELA ships or for other purposes.

Fleet ambitions: 30 boats by 2035

The first VELA trimaran cargo vessel is expected to make its maiden voyage mid-2025, sailing the transatlantic route between Europe and the United States. VELA guarantees fast, reliable and secure transportation, with a warehouse-to-warehouse timeframe of 10-15 days, including loading, transit and unloading, which places it in between conventional air and sea freight. Furthermore, VELA’s efficient routing system ensures that the most optimized route is selected based on weather conditions, with an estimated time of arrival by the hour provided up to four days in advance.

While the choice of propulsion plays a critical role in decarbonizing maritime transport, VELA recognizes that sustainability also depends on pre- and post-transport logistics. The exceptional maneuverability of the VELA Trimaran Cargo vessel allows access to secondary ports, facilitating closer proximity to customers’ factories and warehouses.

“Choosing the France-USA seaway was a no-brainer. The United States is the second largest export destination for French luxury products. Moreover, the wind is plentiful and predictable in the North Atlantic. We are very happy to be able to continue facilitating American and French culture exchange, but in a way that prioritizes the decarbonization of Franco-American trade as well,” said Michael Fernandez-Ferri, Cofounder of VELA.

Looking ahead, VELA aims to have a departure from France to the USA and vice versa every nine days by 2028, further solidifying its commitment to sustainable and efficient shipping practices.

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Published 12/07/2023

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The environmental impact of maritime transport now accounts for 3% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (13.5% in Europe). Today, on a conventional merchant ship, most greenhouse gas emissions are linked to the fuel required to propel the vessel. If the world’s merchant fleet is to go green (again), the priority is to (re)implement decarbonized propulsion systems... you guessed it, sailing ships are making a comeback! Thanks to the use of wind power, VELA will be able to decarbonize 99% of the greenhouse gas emissions linked to propulsion - the remaining 1% is linked to the use of engines to get in and out of harbor. As part of a global vision, an LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) was carried out for the project: VELA will be built entirely in aluminum - a material that is recycled and infinitely recyclable. The interior will be made from bio-sourced and geo-sourced materials. Right from the design stage, all components have been designed to be dismantled for reuse - either on other VELA vessels, or for other purposes. For a regular USA-Europe route, the trimaran option has been proved the most attractive. Firstly, because a large trimaran, 215 feet (65 meters) long, 80 feet (25 meters) in beam, and with two 180-foot (55-meter) high masts, is the fastest. The vessel has been designed by multihull performance specialists VPLP. In their specifications, VELA’s engineers took into account the needs of shippers - to bring goods quickly across the Atlantic. Speed is therefore a priority, and this is also true in economic terms: operating costs are high if the vessel is too slow. Going faster means faster turnarounds, less time at sea and lower energy consumption. The second advantage of this vessel is its very large deck area, well suited to the installation of a large array of solar panels. Hydrogeneration systems are also being investigated. Lastly, the choice of a trimaran guarantees greater stability and comfort for the crew on board, as well as greater safety for the goods being transported (no heeling). VELA’s transport capacity is 560 euro-pallets, or 51 containers. All the ship’s compartments will be monitored by camera, with humidity and temperature control. The lower hold will be able to refrigerate the most sensitive and fragile goods. Transport time should be between 10 and 15 days from warehouse to warehouse, according to routing simulations based on the last 5 years of North Atlantic weather. It is precisely thanks to high-performance routing that VELA’s shipowners will be able to give an estimated time of arrival down to the hour (as early as 4 days before arrival).

Decentralizing global logistics

While de-carbonizing of maritime transport involves the choice of propulsion, it also lies in pre- and post-transport logistics. The idea is to be as close as possible to the factories, the products of origin and the logistics warehouses at the destination. This has three advantages: shorter lead times, lower pre- and post-routing ...

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Illustration courtesy VELA

French Startup Unveils Sailing Cargo Ship

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French transport startup VELA has unveiled the design for its first-of-its-kind trimaran cargo ship that will transport goods across the Atlantic using 100% wind power.

According to VELA, the innovative design reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 99% compared to conventional container ships, while also being built with recycled aluminum and bio-sourced and geo-sourced materials.

The vessel is designed to accommodate up to 450 U.S. pallets, euquivalent to 51 TEU containers, and guarantees fast, reliable, and secure transportation, with a warehouse-to-warehouse timeframe of just 10-15 days.

Under development since September 2022, the design marks a departure from conventional single-hulled designs and draws on technologies used for ocean racing. An efficient routing system selects the best route based on weather and provides an estimated time of arrival up to four days in advance.

The team at VELA is anticipating targeting a launch date in 2025, followed by a maiden voyage in mid-2025. By 2028, VELA aims to have departures from France to the USA and vice versa every nine days.

“Choosing the France-USA seaway was a no-brainer,” said Michael Fernandez-Ferri, Cofounder of VELA. “The United States is the second largest export destination for French luxury products. Moreover, the wind is plentiful and predictable in the North Atlantic.”

If all goes according to plan, VELA hopes to have a fleet of 30 boats in operation by 2035.

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VELA Unveils Unique Sailing Cargo Trimaran Powered 100% by Wind

Reducing the environmental footprint of Maritime Transport 

By adopting the innovative trimaran concept for its cargo ship, VELA meets several criteria for reducing the environmental impact of maritime transport, which currently accounts for 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions (a figure projected to rise to 17% by 2050 if no action is taken).

Extensive analysis by the VELA team led to the impressive claim of a 99% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in propulsion compared to conventional container ships. The choice of a trimaran design also enhances stability and ensures the safety of the cargo, while providing a comfortable experience for the sailors on board.

Additionally, by harnessing the abundant wind resources of the ocean and not having to take fuel costs into account, VELA is able to provide high transportation capacity at a fixed and fair price, accommodating up to 450 U.S. pallets (equivalent to 51 TEU containers or 560 EU pallets).

Beyond the elimination of greenhouse gasses during the voyage, VELA also has a lesser environmental impact than other cargo ships by being built with recycled aluminum with interiors made from bio-sourced and geo-sourced materials. All components of the ship have also been designed to be dismantled for reuse on other VELA ships or for other purposes.

Fleet ambitions: 30 boats by 2035

The first VELA trimaran cargo vessel is expected to make its maiden voyage mid-2025, sailing the transatlantic route between  Europe  and  the United States . VELA guarantees fast, reliable and secure transportation, with a warehouse-to-warehouse timeframe of 10-15 days, including loading, transit and unloading, which places it in between conventional air and sea freight.

Furthermore, VELA's efficient routing system ensures that the most optimized route is selected based on weather conditions, with an estimated time of arrival by the hour provided up to four days in advance.

While the choice of propulsion plays a critical role in decarbonizing maritime transport, VELA recognizes that sustainability also depends on pre- and post-transport logistics. The exceptional maneuverability of the VELA Trimaran Cargo vessel allows access to secondary ports, facilitating closer proximity to customers' factories and warehouses.

"Choosing the  France - USA  seaway was a no-brainer.  The United States  is the second largest export destination for French luxury products. Moreover, the wind is plentiful and predictable in the North Atlantic. We are very happy to be able to continue facilitating American and French culture exchange, but in a way that prioritizes the decarbonization of Franco-American trade as well," said  Michael Fernandez-Ferri , Cofounder of VELA. 

Looking ahead, VELA aims to have a departure from  France  to the  USA  and vice versa every nine days by 2028, further solidifying its commitment to sustainable and efficient shipping practices.

100% Wind Energy To Propel A Cargo Ship That Looks Like A Racing Yacht

Leading players in the global shipping industry have been trying all sorts of new technologies to cut their carbon footprints, and meanwhile an old one has been staring them in the face all along. That would be wind power, of course. Propelling one of today’s massive, full-sized cargo vessel on sail power alone is a non-starter, but the French shipping startup VELA has come up with a 100% wind-driven business model that could attract niche customers that want to transport the all finer things in life, without all the carbon baggage.

Wind Energy Makes A Comeback, With Pallets

VELA started up in 2021 with the idea of transferring the principles of high performance sailboat racing to the cargo shipping world, and the company did not let the grass grow under its feet. By June 13 of this year VELAA was ready to introduce its new design, a sleek looking trimaran.

Wind energy is not the only big difference between VELA and other shipping firms. The choice of a trimaran configuration right there is a daring plunge. As the name suggests, trimarans are three-hulled boats, a sharp departure from the single hull that has defined cargo ships for hundreds of years. VELA points out that the three-hull configuration provides more stability for both cargo and crew.

Another key difference is the absence of shipping containers. The VELA trimaran can carry 51 of the equivalent of standard TEU containers, but without the containers. Instead, the goods are loaded on pallets. Fully loaded, the trimaran can carry up to 450 standard US pallets.

“Containers have been ruling goods transportation over the last 50 years.This choice was made for economic reasons but with a high environmental impact, just like air freight,” VELA explains, adding that “the weight of the containers (3 tons each) accounts for more than 20% of what is being transported on a conventional container ship vs. 2% for equivalent pallets (25kg each).”

“Using pallets enables the  transport of goods alone, without useless extra weight. Each pallet represents a reduction of 200kg in weight and the corresponding CO 2 emissions,” VELA emphasizes. They also note that the pallets are a space-saver.

To ice the green cake, the trimaran is designed to be dismantled into components that can be re-used or repurposed.

Savings Beyond Wind Energy

According to VELA’s analysis, relying exclusively on wind energy for propulsion results in impressive cut of 99% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions for the trimaran, compared to conventional container ships. If you’re wondering where the other 1% went, that’s a good question. Almost all sailboats of any particular size need an auxiliary power source for life support systems, navigation and other equipment, and emergency response, as well as maneuvering around harbors.

The trimaran will use on-board solar power and a battery for some non-sailing energy. CleanTechnica is reaching out to VELA for more details on that. In the meantime, VELA points out that its trimaran can visit smaller ports, potentially bringing the goods closer to a client’s factory, warehouse, or other destination. That would help cut down on truck or rail transportation and further reduce the carbon footprint of the trip overall.

UPDATE : From VELA — Concerning on-board energy (galley, hold, etc.). First and foremost, the holds of VELA vessels will be insulated to reduce energy requirements to a minimum. Residual needs are covered as far as possible by renewable energies. The shape of the vessel offers a significant advantage in terms of renewable energy production. The generous upper deck surface offers the opportunity to install several hundred m2 of photovoltaic panels. In addition, our ships will also be equipped with hydro-generators, which generate electricity using the current created by the ship’s forward motion under sail. In this way, almost 50% of onboard energy needs are covered by renewable sources. The remainder is expected to be powered by diesel-electric drives.

The downside of relying on 100% wind energy is the doldrums, meaning not enough wind to propel the ship. That’s not an issue with today’s advanced route planning systems, which enable sailboats to take advantage of optimal conditions. VELA guarantees a warehouse-to-warehouse timeline of 10 to 15 days for a trip between Europe to the US.

The Appeal Of A Sail-Powered Cargo Ship

The shipping industry is all about timetables, and at first glance it may seem that a fossil fuel-powered cargo ship could beat wind energy on speed any day of the week. However, the devil is in the details. As described by VELA, its 10-15 day timeline includes loading and unloading, as well as the days spent in transit. Those ship-to-shore operations could take more time for monster-sized cargo vessels, potentially tipping the advantage to the trimaran. The ability to visit secondary ports could also help the trimaran avoid bottlenecks at major ports.

“While the choice of propulsion plays a critical role in decarbonizing maritime transport, VELA recognizes that sustainability also depends on pre- and post-transport logistics,” the company emphasizes. VELA expects its trimaran fleet to beat conventional cargo ships on speed when the entire voyage from one warehouse to another is taken into account.

The cost difference would depend on the cargo. VELA anticipates that for pricier goods, any minor increase in shipping expenses would be negligible.

Though sailboats can’t compete with air freight on speed, VELA anticipates that its “free” wind energy will contribute to a substantial cost savings — up to five times lower than air freight.

Despite the time difference, practically zero-carbon shipping is a good fit for luxury brands that are hot on the trail of any angle to burnish their green cred. Shipping goods on wind-powered watercraft would enable luxury brands to stand out from the crowd and avoid the “flight-shaming” of air freight’s high carbon footprint.

VELA has taken notice. The company plans to focus on shipping services for luxury goods in general and French luxury goods in particular.

“The United States is the second largest export destination for French luxury products,” explains VELA co-founder  Michael Fernandez-Ferri. “Moreover, the wind is plentiful and predictable in the North Atlantic.”

“We are very happy to be able to continue facilitating American and French culture exchange, but in a way that prioritizes the decarbonization of Franco-American trade as well,” Fernandez-Ferri adds.

More Renewable Energy At Sea

If all goes according to plan, VELA will launch its first trimaran in 2025, and whole a fleet of trimarans will travel between France and the US every nine days by 2028.

That’s good news for luxury brands and their customers. As for the rest of the shipping industry, wind energy is also making an appearance. Though not replacing fossil-fueled engines, wind energy can play a supporting role and save fuel.

The startup Norsepower , for example, has come up with a tubular wind harvesting device that can be retrofitted onto existing cargo ships. The company’s industry partners are also looking to purpose-build cargo ships with the aim of maximizing Norsepower’s technology (see more coverage here ).

The French firm Airseas has also developed a wind harvesting device , in the form of a kite-like device that resembles a flying jib gone wild. As the name suggests, engineers from the leading aviation firm Airbus transferred the foundational technology from air to sea .

Another aircraft connection has surfaced from another French startup, Zéphyr & Borée, which is working on rigid sails based on the principles at play in glider aircraft wings.

Solar power is also beginning to make itself known at sea, though its role in cargo shipping is still up in the air. One problem to be solved is the space and weight taken up by solar panels.

The Norwegian cruise line Hurtigruten Norway may have a solution, in the form of retractable sails outfitted with solar panels for its “Sea Zero” electric cruise ship , so stay tuned for more on that.

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Looking to develop a fast sailing ship to provide a shipping service between Europe and the USA, French start-up VELA asked VPLP Design to explore the range of possibilities in this fledgling sector of zero-carbon transport of goods by sea. This led to the design of a 65 m schooner-rigged trimaran which can carry 350 tonnes between Nouvelle-Aquitaine (France) and New York in under two weeks, including loading and unloading.

The ambition was to be able to promote a fast sailing ship that could cross the North Atlantic in under two weeks. In comparison, a conventional freighter covers the same route in twenty days, loading and unloading included. The start-up was adamant that VPLP were to exclude nothing, to explore every possible architectural innovation, including solutions that have hitherto never been tested in a shipping context.

After undertaking numerous comparative studies, in particular with MerConcept, VPLP Design decided on a trimaran design which will allow the vessel to achieve higher average speeds and carry more freight than a similarly sized monohull. With her two-masted schooner rig, 25 m beam and onboard crane, VELA will always dock port side to and will be completely independent when it comes to loading and unloading, an especially important feature when calling at secondary ports along her route. The floats stabilize the platform while the centre hull supports the majority of the displacement. 

In addition to offering greater speeds, the trimaran configuration will be more comfortable for the eight members of the crew because VELA will sail upright.

To ensure safety while manoeuvring in harbour and at sea, the ship will be equipped with a conventional auxiliary propulsion system. 

Scheduled to start sailing in 2025, the first VELA vessels will sail between France and the USA, each transporting approximately 560 EU pallets or 450 US pallets. 

Exceeding 1,000 gross tons, VELA will have to comply with the rigorous standards of the merchant marine, governed by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

The team commissioning VELA want the vessel to sail under the French flag, with a permanent salaried crew, and are currently exploring the possibility of having her built in Metropolitan France. 

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NOS BATEAUX

• NOS CLIENTS
• Décarbonation & Résponsabilité

UN NAVIRE DE COMMERCE 100% VÉLIQUE SANS COMPROMIS

🌍 décarbonation massive.

Le trimaran VELA est conçu pour une propulsion 100% à la voile, dans le petit comme le gros temps. Nous visons ainsi pour la propulsion un taux de décarbonation de l’ordre de 99%.

⚡ DÉLAIS RÉDUITS ET FRÉQUENCE ÉLEVÉE

La vitesse de nos bateaux, nos moyens de routing météo et notre process de chargement / déchargement nous permettront d’être plus rapide que les cargos conventionnels sur le délai port à port de la ligne France-New-York (entre 10 à 15 jours). 

Nos navires ont été étudiés pour accéder aux ports secondaires stratégiquement situés et ainsi réduire le coût et l’impact des pré et post acheminement des chaînes d’approvisionnement de nos clients.

Nous avons adopté le format palette (EU ou US) pour transporter uniquement la marchandise de nos partenaires sans surpoids ni surcoût.

👌 MANŒUVRABILITÉ ET SÉCURITÉ

La stabilité intrinsèque du trimaran et la largeur du pont supérieur permet de faciliter les manœuvres pour les marins.

Par ailleurs, notre navire, sous pavillon français, respecte les normes les plus exigeantes de la marine marchande (notamment SOLAS).

📦 CAPACITÉ ET FIABILITÉ

Avec une capacité équivalente à 51 conteneurs par trajet et la mise en place d’une ligne régulière, nous pouvons proposer à nos chargeurs une réelle alternative à leur solution de transport carbonée.

La largeur du trimaran nous permet de stocker la majorité de la cargaison sur le pont supérieur du navire. Cela simplifie et fluidifie les opérations de chargement et de déchargement.

La marchandise est stockée en toute sécurité dans des compartiments sécurisée, monitorés en température et hygrométrie, ventilés et filmés.

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VELA UNVEILS ITS UNIQUE SAILING CARGO TRIMARAN: AN INNOVATIVE SHIP FOR 100% WIND POWERED TRANSPORTATION

PARIS , June 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- VELA , committed to the decarbonization of the maritime freight industry, has proudly unveiled the design of its first-of-its-kind trimaran cargo ship that will allow the company to transport goods across the Atlantic Ocean using 100% wind power. The visionary team of François Gabart (renowned solo navigator and world-class ocean racer), Michael Fernandez-Ferri , Pierre-Arnaud Vallon , Thibault Charles and Pascal Galacteros unveiled the design, which had been in development since September 2022 and for which production is set to start early 2024. Departing from the conventional single-hulled approach, and inspired by the modern technologies used for ocean racing, VELA's sailing cargo vessel will have three hulls and is anticipated to be launched in 2025.

Reducing the environmental footprint of Maritime Transport 

By adopting the innovative trimaran concept for its cargo ship, VELA meets several criteria for reducing the environmental impact of maritime transport, which currently accounts for 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions (a figure projected to rise to 17% by 2050 if no action is taken). Extensive analysis by the VELA team led to the impressive claim of a 99% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in propulsion compared to conventional container ships. The choice of a trimaran design also enhances stability and ensures the safety of the cargo, while providing a comfortable experience for the sailors on board. Additionally, by harnessing the abundant wind resources of the ocean and not having to take fuel costs into account, VELA is able to provide high transportation capacity at a fixed and fair price, accommodating up to 450 U.S. pallets (equivalent to 51 TEU containers or 560 EU pallets).

Beyond the elimination of greenhouse gasses during the voyage, VELA also has a lesser environmental impact than other cargo ships by being built with recycled aluminum with interiors made from bio-sourced and geo-sourced materials. All components of the ship have also been designed to be dismantled for reuse on other VELA ships or for other purposes.

Fleet ambitions: 30 boats by 2035

The first VELA trimaran cargo vessel is expected to make its maiden voyage mid-2025, sailing the transatlantic route between Europe and the United States . VELA guarantees fast, reliable and secure transportation, with a warehouse-to-warehouse timeframe of 10-15 days, including loading, transit and unloading, which places it in between conventional air and sea freight. Furthermore, VELA's efficient routing system ensures that the most optimized route is selected based on weather conditions, with an estimated time of arrival by the hour provided up to four days in advance.

While the choice of propulsion plays a critical role in decarbonizing maritime transport, VELA recognizes that sustainability also depends on pre- and post-transport logistics. The exceptional maneuverability of the VELA Trimaran Cargo vessel allows access to secondary ports, facilitating closer proximity to customers' factories and warehouses.

" Choosing the France - USA seaway was a no-brainer. The United States is the second largest export destination for French luxury products. Moreover, the wind is plentiful and predictable in the North Atlantic. We are very happy to be able to continue facilitating American and French culture exchange, but in a way that prioritizes the decarbonization of Franco-American trade as well," said Michael Fernandez-Ferri , Cofounder of VELA. 

Looking ahead, VELA aims to have a departure from France to the USA and vice versa every nine days by 2028, further solidifying its commitment to sustainable and efficient shipping practices.

About Vela VELA , is a designer and shipowner of a new generation of cargo sailboats. Created by five dedicated engineers and entrepreneurs, François Gabart, Michaël Fernandez Ferri , Pierre-Arnaud Vallon , Thibault Charles and Pascal Galacteros, this Bayonne-based start-up aims to breathe new life into the conventional freight sector by transporting high value-added French and foreign craft and art de vivre products using the power of the wind. VELA's goal is to offer its clients a short-circuit for the routing of goods in order to reduce the environmental impact of brands as much as possible by allowing them to choose the port closest to the warehouse.

SOURCE VELA

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VELA unveils Trimaran Cargo Ship using 100% Wind Energy

VELA, a pioneering French transport startup, has revealed its groundbreaking trimaran cargo ship design, revolutionizing the transportation of goods across the Atlantic solely through wind power.

In an impressive feat, VELA’s innovative design slashes greenhouse gas emissions by an astounding 99% when compared to conventional container ships. Furthermore, this exceptional vessel is constructed using recycled aluminum and materials sourced from sustainable and environmentally friendly sources.

With a capacity to accommodate up to 450 U.S. pallets, equivalent to 51 TEU containers, this trimaran cargo ship ensures rapid, dependable, and secure transportation. It boasts a remarkable warehouse-to-warehouse timeframe of merely 10-15 days.

This visionary design has been in development since September 2022, deviating from the traditional single-hulled models and incorporating technologies employed in ocean racing. By utilizing an efficient routing system, this vessel selects the optimal path based on weather conditions and offers an estimated time of arrival up to four days in advance.

The dedicated team at VELA aims to launch this remarkable ship in 2025, with its maiden voyage scheduled for mid-2025. By 2028, VELA envisions having departures from France to the USA, and vice versa, every nine days, demonstrating their commitment to efficient and frequent transport operations.

Michael Fernandez-Ferri, Co-founder of VELA, enthusiastically stated, “Choosing the France-USA seaway was an obvious choice. The United States serves as the second-largest export market for French luxury products. Moreover, the North Atlantic region offers an abundant and predictable wind supply.”

Should everything proceed as planned, VELA aspires to have a fleet of 30 ships operational by 2035, further solidifying their position as an industry leader in sustainable maritime transportation.

At  VELA , we offer a real alternative to conventional freight for transporting goods with no pollution while complying with the highest safety standards. The international flow of goods is necessary for the economies of today but we believe we should reduce and improve them, by making the sea the most eco-friendly stage for transporting goods on planet Earth.

To make it possible, we are creating the most efficient and environmentally responsible, 100% wind-powered, sea freight solution. We should stop using oil wherever it is possible. Sailing makes that possible and it is the most eco-friendly method of long-distance transportation.

Let’s work together for more sustainable freight transport!

Source VELA

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Austal to construct a wind-powered cargo trimaran for vela transport.

© Vela Transport

Austal announced that Austal Australasia has been awarded a contract to design and construct a wind-powered aluminium cargo trimaran for Vela Transport of Bayonne, France. The first-of-class, 66.8-metre high-value cargo vessel, based on a concept by VPLP of Paris and featuring a sailing system by MerConcept, will be constructed by Austal Philippines in Balamban, Cebu, and is scheduled for delivery in mid-2026.

The exact purchase price for the vessel cannot be disclosed for commercial reasons, however, is in the range of AUD 40–45 million.

Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said:

“Austal is delighted to be partnering with Vela to deliver this unique, sailing cargo trimaran—a striking looking vessel that will transport high-value goods across the Atlantic Ocean using 100% wind power.

“Austal’s proven experience in trimaran design offers Vela a large cargo space and greater flexibility while delivering superior seakeeping, efficiency, and performance. The shallow draft of the trimaran also allows greater access to secondary ports, facilitating access to Vela’s customers’ factories and warehouses.

“The use of sails for main propulsion, rather than conventional diesel-powered engines, is also expected to deliver a 99% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, compared with conventional container ships.

“Having designed and constructed 25 large trimarans for commercial and defence operators around the world since 2007, no other shipbuilder is better placed to deliver this impressive new ship for Vela, and the Austal Philippines team can’t wait to get started.

“Our thanks to the Vela team for their trust in Austal to deliver their first ever sailing cargo trimaran, a vessel that will undoubtedly play a leading role in promoting the decarbonisation and sustainability of the international maritime transport industry.”

Austal was selected after a global tender process lasting over nine months.

Jul 29 2024

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Australian shipbuilder has won contract for innovative vessel following global tender process

Australian fast ferry builder Austal is set to build a trimaran cargo vessel that will virtually eliminate all greenhouse gas emissions.

The company said it secured the order for the 66.8-metre vessel from French company Vela Transport after a global tender process lasting more than nine months.

“The exact purchase price for the vessel cannot be disclosed for commercial reasons, however, is in the range of AUD 40m to AUD 45m ($26m to $29.3m),” it said.

The vessel, which is based on a concept by VPLP of Paris and will feature a sailing system by MerConcept, will be built by Austal Philippines, in Balamban, Cebu, and is due in mid-2026.

“Austal is delighted to be partnering with Vela to deliver this unique sailing cargo trimaran — a striking-looking vessel that will transport high-value goods across the Atlantic Ocean using 100% wind power,” said chief executive Paddy Gregg.

“Austal’s proven experience in trimaran design offers Vela a large cargo space and greater flexibility while delivering superior seakeeping, efficiency and performance.

“The shallow draught of the trimaran also allows greater access to secondary ports, facilitating access to Vela’s customers’ factories and warehouses.”

Gregg said the use of sails for main propulsion, rather than conventional diesel-powered engines, is expected to deliver a 99% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional container ships.

“Having designed and constructed 25 large trimarans for commercial and defence operators around the world since 2007, no other shipbuilder is better placed to deliver this impressive new ship for Vela,” he said, adding that the vessel will “undoubtedly play a leading role in promoting the decarbonisation and sustainability of the international maritime transport industry”.

Vela chief executive Pierre-Arnaud Vallon said: “We are not just constructing a ship with Austal, we are helping to shape the future of international maritime transport.

“With our strategic shipbuilding partner Austal, we are pioneering the way for an era where ships harness clean and inexhaustible energy.

“This sailing cargo trimaran, the first and largest of its kind, symbolises our vision of a world where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand.”

Vela chief operating officer Pascal Galacteros said the construction of this unique vessel represents an “unprecedented technical challenge”.

“We are tackling it with pride and determination, relying on Austal’s globally recognised expertise in multi-hulls and aluminium shipbuilding, and integrating the wind sailing expertise from our partners, VPLP and MerConcept,” he said.

“The trust that emerged from our interactions with the Austal teams in Australia and the Philippines convinced us that we had the best strategic shipbuilding partner for our project.”

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Austal to build wind-powered cargo trimaran for Vela Transport

Austal Limited has announced a contract to design and construct a 66.8-metre wind-powered cargo trimaran for Vela Transport of Bayonne, France.

The new vessel, priced between A$40–$45 million, will be built at Austal Philippines in Balamban, Cebu, and is slated for delivery by mid-2026.

The trimaran, based on a concept by VPLP of Paris and equipped with a sailing system from MerConcept, represents a significant advancement in sustainable maritime technology. Paddy Gregg, CEO of Austal Limited, highlighted the company’s role in this pioneering project. ‘Austal is delighted to be partnering with Vela to deliver this unique, sailing cargo trimaran – a striking looking vessel that will transport high-value goods across the Atlantic Ocean using 100% wind power,’ Gregg said.

The vessel promises numerous advantages over traditional cargo ships. According to designers the trimaran design ensures ample cargo space and superior seakeeping abilities, while its shallow draft allows access to secondary ports, facilitating direct routes to factories and warehouses. ‘Austal’s proven experience in trimaran design offers Vela a large cargo space and greater flexibility while delivering superior seakeeping, efficiency, and performance,’ Gregg added.

A key feature of the trimaran is its reliance on wind for propulsion, expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 99% compared to conventional container ships. This environmental benefit aligns with the increasing push for sustainability in maritime transport. ‘The use of sails for main propulsion, rather than conventional diesel-powered engines, is also expected to deliver a 99% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, compared with conventional container ships,’ Gregg noted.

Vela Transport’s CEO, Pierre-Arnaud Vallon, said: ‘We are not just constructing a ship with Austal, we are helping to shape the future of international maritime transport. With our strategic shipbuilding partner Austal, we are pioneering the way for an era where ships harness clean and inexhaustible energy. This sailing cargo trimaran, the first and largest of its kind, symbolizes our vision of a world where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand.’

The project’s complexity was underscored by Vela Transport’s COO, Pascal Galacteros, who commented: ‘The construction of this unique vessel represents an unprecedented technical challenge. We are tackling it with pride and determination, relying on Austal’s globally recognised expertise in multi-hulls and aluminium shipbuilding, and integrating the wind sailing expertise from our partners, VPLP and MerConcept,’ Galacteros stated.

Austal was chosen for the project following a comprehensive nine-month global tender process. ‘The trust that emerged from our interactions with the Austal teams in Australia and Philippines convinced us that we had the best strategic shipbuilding partner for our project,’ Galacteros added.

Austal has a history of delivering large trimarans for commercial and defense operators since 2007, which means the company is well-prepared to take on the project. Both Austal and Vela hope that their collaboration will set a new standard in sustainable shipping and demonstrate the potential of wind power in modern maritime transport.

Image: Austal

Tom Barlow-Brown

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