The first of three new low-emission roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels designed to carry aircraft components for Airbus has been launched at Wuchang Shipyard in China. The vessel, named Spirit of Toulouse, is the first in a series of three ships ordered by French owner Louis Dreyfus Armateurs (LDA) and chartered by Airbus to renew its fleet that transports aircraft assemblies across the Atlantic. Sisterships Spirit of Mobile and Spirit of Mirabel are currently under construction at the same yard.
Each ship measures about 169 m in length and is equipped with six 35-metre Norsepower rotor sails and dual-fuel engines capable of operating on e-/bio-methanol or marine diesel, combining wind-assisted propulsion with alternative fuel power to cut emissions.
The design also includes intelligent routing software, high-efficiency propellers, low-friction antifouling coatings, a waste heat recovery system, and recycled-steel shaft lines – all aimed at reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions across voyages.
Each vessel will carry around 70 40-foot containers and six aircraft subassembly sets – including wings, fuselage sections, pylons and tails – supporting Airbus’ plan to increase A320 family production. The excess capacity may also be used by Airbus divisions or partners.
LDA’s low-emission RoRo project was announced in 2023 when Airbus selected the French shipowner to build, own and operate the three modern vessels. The new fleet is expected to halve average CO₂ emissions on transatlantic service compared with the previous generation and contribute to Airbus’ long-term industrial emissions reduction goals.The Spirit of Toulouse will now undergo mooring trials and sea trials, including testing of its wind propulsion systems and methanol fuel setup, before entering service.
