- French startup VELA raised 40m ($43m) to build a 100% wind-powered cargo trimaran at Austal Philippines for delivery in mid-2026 and service launch in H2 2026.
- The 66.8 m aluminum-and-carbon trimaran, designed by VPLP with MerConcept sails and onboard solar/hydrogenerators, targets about 51 TEU plus temperature-controlled capacity for high-value goods.
- VELA plans FranceU.S. Atlantic crossings in under 15 days and aims to scale to about five vessels by 202728 for weekly departures and roughly 48,000 tons/year.
- The concept targets a mid-market between air and conventional sea freight with up to ~99% CO cuts and secondary-port access, but depends on reliability, certification, port constraints, and sustained demand for green shipping.
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The project represents a significant inflection point in maritime logistics: VELA’s trimaran seeks to bridge the gap between overnight or air freight and slow, fuel-intensive conventional shipping by delivering transatlantic service in under 15 days entirely under sail. The capacity (~50 TEU) and the speed aim (≈14 knots average per some sources) position the vessel to serve high-value, time-sensitive goods rather than bulk commodities; pharmaceutical, cosmetics, electronics markets may find the trade-off acceptable.
From a cost and emissions standpoint, VELA claims up to ~99% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to typical container ships—assuming full sail propulsion, renewable onboard energy, and efficient logistics. The environmental credentials are reinforced by design choices (aluminum hull, carbon mast, solar and hydrogenerators) and by operational plans (French flag, cold chain compliance, offshore racing techniques for sail efficiency). But the capex is non-trivial: Austal PV’s contract to build the 66.8 m vessel is between A$40–45 million (~USD 25–30 million depending on FX) though VELA’s fundraising of $43 million suggests margins (or other costs) are included.
Operationally, the shallow draft, trimaran form, and auxiliary power for harbor maneuvers improve flexibility, particularly for secondary ports, reducing time on land-side logistics. Weekly departures aimed by 2027-28 and a fleet of at least five vessels means scaling will test consistency in construction, crew training, supply chain for parts, and demand. Regulatory compliance (SOLAS, MARPOL, GDP pharma standards etc.), port infrastructure for wind-sailing vessels (mast clearance, berthing, loading/unloading) are potential bottlenecks.
Investors and strategic positioning: The involvement of public-impact and sustainability-focused investors (Crédit Mutuel Impact, BPI, 11th Hour Racing) underscores a rising recognition of maritime decarbonization. However, commercial success depends on pricing competitiveness: air freight is much faster but costlier; sea freight cheaper but slower. If VELA can reliably hit 10-15 day transit times with low per-unit costs, it may open new segments; otherwise risk remains in niche demand, weather disruptions, insurance and certification hurdles.
Supporting Notes
- VELA raised €40 million ($43 million) in late 2024, led by Crédit Mutuel Impact, 11th Hour Racing, and BPI.
- Shipyard: Austal Philippines in Balamban, Cebu, was selected from over 30 yards in an international tender; design by VPLP, sailing system by MerConcept.
- Vessel dimensions: approx. 66.8 m length (≈220 ft), 25 m beam (≈82 ft), air draft ≈61 m (200 ft). Hull material is aluminum; masts are carbon. Onboard renewables: >3,230 sq ft solar panels; two hydro-generators.
- Capacity: ≈51 TEU (equivalent), ~500–600 pallets or ~410 metric tons; able to maintain temperature-controlled holds fitting pharmaceutical and high-value logistics needs.
- Transit time target: less than 15 days including loading, unloading, crossing. Conventional container ships take ≈20+ days for the Europe–USA Atlantic route.
- Delivery schedule: vessel construction underway; delivery expected in mid-2026, operations starting in second half of 2026.
- Fleet expansion: at least five vessels expected by 2027-2028, with weekly departures; target annual capacity ~48,000 tons.
- Environmental claims: ~99% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions versus conventional container ships; strict cold chain (GDP certified); French flag for social protection.
- Strategic route: France Atlantic coast to U.S. East Coast, targeting high-value goods sectors (pharma, cosmetics, luxury, artisanal).
- Operational innovations: shallow draft to access secondary ports; autonomous loading/unloading with onboard cranes; weather routing optimized via racing-based tech; auxiliary propulsion only for maneuvers.