French start-up VELA Transport is moving ahead with construction of its first wind-powered cargo trimaran, set to begin transatlantic service in late 2026. The vessel, dubbed L’avion des Mers (“The Airplane of the Seas”), has already attracted a major client – Japan’s Takeda Pharmaceutical.
Takeda will be the first biopharma company to use the innovative service, shipping treatments between Europe and the United States as part of its net-zero strategy by 2040.
The 65-meter VELA trimaran is designed specifically for sensitive pharmaceutical cargo, with seven refrigerated holds powered by renewable energy generated onboard. The vessel can carry up to 600 pallets and maintain strict temperature control standards required by the industry.
Currently under construction at Austal Philippines in Cebu, the trimaran will feature two 52-meter carbon-fiber masts and a 6,700-square-foot sail area. Supported by 2,583 square feet of solar panels, it is expected to reach 14 knots using only wind power. The lightweight aluminum hull, already under assembly, is designed for recycling or reuse at the end of its service life.
Unlike conventional sailing cargo ships, VELA’s trimaran will not rely on water ballast, offering stability by design. It will be equipped with a battery-driven auxiliary engine for port maneuvers, with marine diesel reserved only as backup.
VELA aims to deliver cargo across the Atlantic in under 15 days, using offshore racing technologies, optimized routes, and secondary ports for faster handling. By 2028, the company plans a fleet of five trimarans, capable of transporting 48,000 tons of goods annually.
Photo: VELA
