Austal Limited (Austal) announced Austal Australasia has been awarded a contract to design and construct a wind-powered, aluminium cargo trimaran for Vela Transport of Bayonne, France. The exact purchase price for the vessel cannot be disclosed for commercial reasons, however, is in the range of A$40–$45 million.
The first-of-class, 66.8 metre high-value cargo vessel, based on a concept by VPLP of Paris and featuring a sailing system by MerConcept, will be constructed by Austal Philippines, in Balamban, Cebu, and is scheduled for delivery in mid CY2026.
Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said the new contract confirmed Austal’s position as a shipbuilder of choice; as a leader in trimaran design and construction; and with capabilities to deliver a diverse range of environmentally friendly maritime solutions, worldwide.
Austal is delighted to be partnering with Vela to deliver this unique, sailing cargo trimaran – a striking looking vessel that will transport high-value goods across the Atlantic Ocean using 100% wind power.
..Gregg said.
“The use of sails for main propulsion, rather than conventional diesel-powered engines, is also expected to deliver a 99% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, compared with conventional container ships.
Vela Transport Chief Executive Officer Pierre-Arnaud Vallon said: “We are not just constructing a ship with Austal, we are helping to shape the future of international maritime transport. With our strategic shipbuilding partner Austal, we are pioneering the way for an era where ships harness clean and inexhaustible energy. This sailing cargo trimaran, the first and largest of its kind, symbolizes our vision of a world where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand”.
