trimaran a vela

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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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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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 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: 1st trimaran cargo ship using 100% wind power unveiled

June 16, 2023 By News Team

As informed, the vessel design 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.

By adopting the innovative trimaran concept for its cargo ship, VELA hopes to meet several criteria for reducing the environmental impact of maritime transport, which currently accounts for 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

The analysis by the VELA team led to the conclusion of a 99% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in propulsion compared to conventional container ships.

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.

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.

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• Vela unveils its unique sailin...

Vela unveils its unique sailing cargo trimaran: an innovative ship for 100% wind powered transportation

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).

Rendering of the newly designed VELA trimaran ship

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. Source: VELA

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Vela unveils 100% wind-powered cargo trimaran design

French designer and shipowner of new-gen cargo sailboats Vela has unveiled the design of the first-ever trimaran cargo ship powered 100% by wind power.

The design of the ocean racing-inspired three-hull vessel has been in development since September 2022 and production is set to start early 2024. When built, the vessel will transport goods across the Atlantic Ocean using only wind power. Vela believes that the first vessel will be launched in 2025.

The Vela team claims that this new design will provide a 99% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in propulsion compared to conventional containerships. The company also believes that the trimaran design will enhance vessel stability and cargo safety. The ship designer added that the trimaran will be able to accommodate up to 450 US pallets – equivalent to 51 teu or 560 EU pallets.

The vessel will also have 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 other purposes.

The first of these vessels is expected to make its maiden voyage in mid-2025, sailing the transatlantic route between Europe and the United States. Vela guarantees a warehouse-to-warehouse timeframe of 10-15 days, including loading, transit, and unloading, which places it in between conventional air and sea freight. Looking ahead, Vela aims to have a departure from France to the USA and vice versa every nine days by 2028.

“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,” said Michael Fernandez-Ferri, co-founder of Vela.

With this design, Vela joins a myriad of compatriot companies which have been developing sail-powered cargo ships in recent years. Just this year, Zephyr & Borée ordered five wind-assisted 1,300 teu boxships while tire manufacturer Michelin secured approval in principle from DNV for its automated, telescopic, inflatable wing sail system for ships.

Other French firms involved with wind-related projects include Airseas , TransOceanic Wind Transport , CRAIN Technologies , and Grain de Sail among others.

Bojan Lepic

Dragados and siemens energy win $3bn offshore grid connection contract, tenaz energy buys nam offshore from shell-exxon dutch jv for $180m, mol invests in next-gen engine technology startup, dof awarded several new contracts in brazil, asiatic lloyd boxship struck by the houthis.

In 1976 Christopher Hook, the inventor of the Hydrofoil was working on a design for wind powered cargo vessels.

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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.

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. 

Cargo vessel (1000 UMS tons)

VPLP Design

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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.

A cargo trimaran aims to deliver French wines and spirits to the USA in a fortnight

he cargo trimaran Vela 1 has the wind in its sails. In the second half of 2025, it will start its return trips between ports in France (Bayonne, Honfleur, La Rochelle…) and New Jersey in the United States. The start-up Vela, which was founded in Bayonne in 2022, promises a crossing time of two weeks (“ faster than a conventional cargo ship ”) and has already signed up to ship top Bordeaux and Burgundy wines, Champagnes and Cognacs across the Atlantic. It will also be shipping wines for a forwarding agent specialising in wine and New York importers, stresses Vela co-founder and CEO Pierre-Arnaud Vallon. The other co-founders are four entrepreneurs including the French professional offshore yacht racer François Gabart.

Vela says it can transport 600 pallets weighing 360 tonnes “ quickly, reliably and safely ” and stresses the decarbonisation aspect of the sailing trip. The Lifecycle Analysis issued by the company concludes that one journey generates 5 times fewer emissions than a container ship, with an 80% reduction across the lifespan of a ship (building, operation and end-of-life). Currently, Vela 1 is at the 3-D modelling stage and building work is due to begin in 2024 after two years of R&D. After it goes into operation in the second half of 2025, four other ships will join the cargo trimaran by 2028 so that one sailing ship can leave per week.

INTERVIGNES

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

ABS Tackles Real-Time Issues in Container Shipping with Maritime Experts

First methanol to hydrogen power propulsion chain test.

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If you’re looking for a sailing vacation ruled by the sun, moon, and tides, you’ve found it!

Island Windjammers offers six, ten, and twelve-night sailings aboard our classic clipper ship Vela, schooner Diamant, and sailing yacht Lyra! Vela hosts twenty-six guests, Diamant accommodates ten guests, while our new addition Lyra has room for eight. This is small ship cruising at its finest.

Our Island Girls are fully-crewed and feature air-conditioned cabins, private bathrooms, portholes, and all modern comforts.

Your Captain sets the course. Each day is a new adventure. Free your mind from schedules, and savor each moment as the crew hoists the sails, the trade winds fill the canvas, and you set off to your next secret island destination.

There’s no rush. You’ll have plenty of time ashore to explore vibrant villages, sip rum at quirky beach bars, or laze the days away on pristine beaches.

Even the nights are magical. Shipmates gather on deck to dance, share a joke or tell tales of the day’s adventures. Lean on the rail, and steal a kiss under a canopy of stars.

Live in the now, and breathe it all in. This is island life--and you’re living it!

ALWAYS ON ISLAND TIME

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Several times a week in Barcelona, dozens of amateur sailors get together to enjoy racing some atypical craft whose origins date back to the beginning of the last century. The “Patí de vela” in Catalan, or, in Spanish, “Patí a vela” [literally, “Sailing Skate”], has become one of the emblems of the Catalan capital. This small catamaran, now a one-design class, has the particularity of being driven by a lateen-rigged sail, but most notably, not having a steering system - or any appendages whatsoever. Just a stone’s throw from the AC75s, the flying machines of the next America’s Cup, due to take place here in Barcelona in August and September 2024, we invite you aboard to share in a fast, sporty, environmentally friendly, simple - but not without elegance - form of sailing that’s winning fans the world over.

The Patí a vela is first and foremost an exciting sport catamaran to sail.

Jan is a sailing instructor - and of course an avid racing sailor! Here he’s tacking in front of the famous Sagrada Familia.

10-year-old Clara is mad about sailing and races every week aboard her Junior patí.

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Published 12/07/2023

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With less than a quarter hour to go before the race’s first warning signal, there are still no boats in sight on Somorrostro beach, close to Port Olimpic. The course markers have been laid, the sea is calm, the wind is blowing 225° at 10 to 15 knots, and the sun is shining. All that’s missing are the participants in one of the five weekly races organized by the Club Patí Vela Barcelona. Where other committee boat crew might be starting to get impatient, the race director is very chilled: “You’ll see, everyone will be on the line on time. People leave the office for their mid-day break and quickly get to the club. Time to change and they’re ready to sail!” Indeed, in less than five minutes, some twenty sails appeared and were approaching the starting line, located half a mile off the beach. The speed with which the “sail-skates” can be put to into action means that the customary 2-hour Spanish lunch break can be used for tacking back and forth with the backdrop of the Sagrada Familia Cathedral and the city’s emblematic skyline. An idyllic setting... and a lively atmosphere too: rounding the marks can give rise to some great battles, and while the level of competitors is uneven, the enjoyment is shared by all!

Patí vela: 150 years of history

Originally created by Carlos Geli in its primitive form (without a sail), the patí was used to row away from the shore to bathe in less polluted water offshore. The first race took place in 1871, and the industrial boom of the early 1920s accelerated patí production. The small multihull gradually gained in popularity for its simplicity and authenticity: devoid of daggerboards and rudders, it has the distinctive feature of having a perfectly flat bottom, like a pair of skis, so that it can be pulled easily across the sand, even over reasonable distances. The addition of a sail – lateen-rigged at first - soon gave rise to the first racing in Catalan waters, with a wide variety of boats in terms of weight and size. Once the civil war was over, in 1943, the Mongè brothers, residents of Badalona (on the outskirts of Barcelona), brought together all existing Catalan patís to compete in a single regatta where the aim was to find out which one performed best. The two brothers’ skate came out on top, becoming the one-design version of the minimalist catamaran. Still handcrafted today, these sailing skates have evolved very little since then - a wooden or GRP multihull measuring 18’5” (5.6 m) in length, 5’3” (1.6 m) in beam, with a lightship weight of 195 lbs (89 kg), and 135 square feet (12.6 m²) of Marconi-type sail on a mast culminating at 21’4” (6.5 m) high.

Rudders, daggerboards, boom, battens? No, thank you!

“Sailing in its simplest form”, as Rafael Figuerola Camps, the largest patí builder and president of Club Patí Vela Barcelona, explains. This slightly bohemian 40-something, son and grandson of fishermen, never gave up on his dream of developing this Stradivarius of the seas, designed entirely by ...

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Kuna Vela Sailing Tours

Sailing, snorkeling, & sunset tours - playas del coco, costa rica, choose a sailing tour.

• Hour Glass 4 hours

Morning Snorkel & Sailing Tour

Start your day with this amazing sailing and snorkeling combo as you swim in crystal-clear waters around beautiful reefs! We alternate between many popular coves & beaches to provide our guests with the best experience depending on the wind & weather. After snorkeling and beach time, enjoy delicious finger foods prepared daily on the boat. Capacity: 15 Guests

Sunset Snorkel & Sailing Tour

Don’t miss the opportunity to discover a paradise that is reachable only by boat! Relax, snorkel & explore coves, visit secluded beaches, and enjoy a breathtaking sunset. After snorkeling and beach time, you’ll enjoy delicious snacks and finger foods, prepared daily on the boat. Capacity: 15 Guests

Private Sailing Experiences

Private: morning snorkel & sailing tour.

Enjoy the coast of Costa Rica with your personal cruise. We offer VIP service on a sailing cruise to a pristine beach close to heaven, including snorkeling with our naturalist guide!

Private: Snorkel & Sunset Sailing Tour

Have your personal crew as you enjoy the clear waters of Costa Rica and the sunset. We offer VIP service for a romantic sail on the Pacific Ocean!

• Hour Glass 8 hours

Private Full Day: Snorkel & Sunset Sailing Tour

While sailing, you discover lush green forests, pristine beaches, and sea caves. Enjoy snorkeling with our guide who shows you exotic marine species.

Kuna Vela - Real Sailing Sensation

American Owned and Operated 

Experience the beauty of Costa Rica from a different perspective aboard our 47 ft Dynamique Sloop, Monohull sailboat. Ranked #1 boat tour in Playas del Coco , Kuna Vela offers morning snorkel tours ,  sunset tours , and private tours that include our expert-guided snorkeling tours and breathtaking sunset cruises.

Kuna Vela Sailing Tours is American owned and operated. Our highly trained professional crew is Costa Rican with a combined 50 years of experience on the Gulf of Papagayo. We love sailing, nature, and people.

Top-Rated Boat Tours in Costa Rica!

We had an amazing time sailing, snorkeling, and relaxing on the Kuna Vela. Andres (first mate) and Israel (captain) made the experience great. They were very accommodating and kind. Andres pointed out a bunch of sights to see, led us snorkeling, and took pictures the entire time of us which we now have as great memories. We saw Humpback whales, dolphins, and sea turtles while sailing and a variety of fish while snorkeling. We definitely recommend this tour. It will add a really memorable experience to your trip to Costa Rica.

Wow what an outstanding tour. We were lucky enough to be the only family on the tour that day and what an experience. Andreas and the captain were exceptional. We sailed round Papagayo and saw incredible marine life including dolphins and whales. We snorkelled for a little while and although visibility wasn't great we still saw a fair few fish. We were treated to delicious fruit and snacks and what seemed like a never ending supply of beer! They found us the perfect spot to watch the beautiful sunset. The trip was our highlight to Costa Rica and I would even say the best excursion we have ever done in our travels. Kuna Vela is the best. Book you won't be disappointed!!

My boyfriend and I had a great time and will definitely be doing this again when we return. The captain and Andres were AMAZING! Andres really does a good job of showing you the sights and ensuring that your sailing experience is nothing less than stellar. His photography skills were great and we really appreciated all the photos he got for us. There was only one other couple on our tour, so we really felt like we had individualized attention. We also saw dolphins which was a perfect ending to our sail. We can’t wait to do this again and to recommend it to others!

What a great Sailing Experience with a Great Hospitality. From the Welcoming till Departing you know you are in Safe & Expert Hands. All the staff in the Boat was very knowledgeable and experienced. If you are looking for a personalized service Kuna Vela is the way to go. Let the Captain pick the spot and you set back, relax and enjoy your Beautiful sailing day. Thank You Lindsay Hyler-Russell & Clint Russell for the Amazing time and Hospitality. I will be back for more!

It was lovely seeing Costa Rica from the water. Such a beautiful afternoon sailing the coast, swimming, snorkeling and experiencing the sunset. While on the beach you can explore a cave and climb up the hillside to see a panoramic view. The crew and owners are both professional, super friendly and accommodating. The snacks and beverages were plentiful and delicious. What is in that rum punch? So good, it must be the secret ingredient that makes it special. Would highly recommend this company!!

Found Clint the recent owner of Kuna Vela Sailing to be very helpful in accomodating us to be picked up from our beach rather than from Cocoa Beach where they operate from. My party of 3 were joined by 4 other people for the half day snorkel and sunset sailing tour. Captain Israel and his First Mate Andres made us feel very welcome. Captain Israel takes pride and care of this sailing boat and I felt safe the whole time. We were offered drinks, and relaxing music to listen to as we watched flying fish jumping out of the water on route to a quiet cove where we donned snorkel gear and led by Andres swam over to a rocky area where many fish live. For those who needed it masks, snorkels and fins were available. I was delighted with the variety of fish I saw. Andres was busy with his camera taking photos of us and the sea life the whole time we were with them. These were made available free of charge within a day of our trip and I really appreciated the excellent underwater photos. A delicious plate of sandwiches, chips and dip and fruit and of course some run punch were offered after the snorkeling. They were able to accommodate my gluten free friend with appropriate snacks too. Returning the wind picked up and sails were unfurled for part of the time. We watched the sunset and returned to shore where Clint took us back to our beach. A delightful, relaxing time I highly recommend the Kuna Vela and crew.

Sunset Snorkel Cruise on the Kuna Vela. 4 in the family, 2 adults and 2 teenagers. We all agree on the Top Ten standing! Captain Israel and 1st Mate Andres were excellent, friendly, knowledgeable hosts. Andres seemed to be everywhere all at once: serving us amazing rum punch, beer, and snacks; working the rigging; taking pictures for us; catching a beautiful yellowfin off the back of the boat; pointing out dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life; leading the snorkel experience; and more. Hardest working man in the business I bet. And he did it all with patience, kindness, and a big "Pura Vida" every time. Captain Israel kept a steady hand on the ship, saw dolphins before anyone had an idea to even be looking, and gave us the best sunset view you could ever hope for. Snorkeling was great too! Eagle Rays, Pufferfish, Angel Fish, Sea Urchins, Needlefish, fish everywhere. But what I liked best was that as the sun set I looked around and noticed all the other tours were already quickly motoring back to the harbor. Captain Israel sat quietly and continued to watch the pink and orange sky unfold all around us. He gave us the time to really be in the moment with our families. When it was almost dark, he slowly turned the boat home. Amazing afternoon and evening and worth every penny. Thank you Kuna Vela for a most excellent experience!

The owner, Clint, his captain and crew were excellent as sailors... photographer, chef.... as well as serving us our drinks and food and assisting us on shore... I am personally a sailboat sailor, racer, and sailing instructor.. Safety and comfort are the priority for this ship and her crew... The boat is a very large... sea worthy..... and well maintained . You will not regret scheduling a party or private event with this company...Clint is an A+

The boat is beautiful! Clint is great at organizing everything and making sure everyone has a great time! Captain Isreal is very knowledgeable and funny - he even has a playlist all timed out so that the sun sets as the last song finishes!! First Mate Andrés is so attentive - he is a great photographer, takes many incredible pictures, and makes sure everyone has plenty to eat and drink the whole ride! The snorkeling was great! So many things to see! This really was the highlight of our trip in beautiful Costa Rica! We will definitely be back and do this again!! I HIGHLY recommend this trip!! Read less