Sail-Powered Ships Cut Transatlantic Time

A groundbreaking, 100% wind-powered cargo vessel is slated for an early 2027 launch, promising to significantly reduce transatlantic shipping times and carbon emissions.

French company Vela will operate a new service between the United States and France using its custom-built trimaran. Designed with input from professional sailor François Gabart, the 220-foot vessel will carry over 400 metric tons of cargo.

Propelled by 200-foot sails and supplemented by solar panels and hydro generators, the ship is expected to maintain an average speed of 14 knots. This positions it as a faster alternative to traditional sea freight and a more sustainable, albeit slower, option than air freight.

Vela's service aims to attract companies shipping high-value goods like pharmaceuticals and luxury cosmetics, offering a greener shipping solution. A life cycle assessment indicates carbon emissions could be up to 96% lower than container ships and 99% less than air freight.

The vessel's sail-powered propulsion will also virtually eliminate underwater noise pollution, a significant environmental benefit compared to conventional engine-powered cargo ships.

Vela's CEO Pierre-Arnaud Vallon highlighted that clients now seek speed, reliability, and sustainability simultaneously. The trimaran's direct routes and efficient loading/unloading processes contribute to faster overall delivery times, with a complete Atlantic crossing and turnaround estimated at 15 days.

Ocean freight, responsible for about 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, is challenging to decarbonize. While the International Maritime Organization aims for net-zero by 2050, implementation faces hurdles. Hybrid wind-assisted vessels and other innovative approaches are emerging globally.

While some experts suggest pure sail-only ships may serve niche markets, Vela emphasizes its solution as a sustainable alternative to air freight for time-sensitive, high-value goods. The company has secured a transportation agreement with Takeda and targets similar clients in various industries.

The first vessel is currently under construction in the Philippines, with a maiden Atlantic crossing planned for January 2027. Vela aims to expand its fleet to five vessels by the end of 2028.