Austal will use the €40 million ($43 million) fundraising round that VELA, a French firm that was founded in November 2022, has completed to construct the largest sailing cargo trimaran in the world. The company’s goal is to offer a sustainable cargo service for goods including pharmaceuticals, industrial parts, medical equipment, and cosmetics that are transported across the Atlantic.
11th Hour Racing, Crédit Mutuel Impact, and BPI—the French Public Investment Bank—led the funding round. The corporation claims that the Franco-American partners are as committed to promoting more sustainable transportation as it is. They think the Trimaran design will also provide a quick fix, particularly for businesses who don’t want to keep their inventory “on the water” for transit.
With the help of Austal’s distinctive design and technology from offshore racing, VELA anticipates being able to operate entirely under sail and give a transit time of fewer than 15 days from loading to crossing the ocean and unloading. They argue that the same service takes at least 20 days for huge containerships. In addition, the trimaran’s cargo holds will be kept at a regulated temperature to guarantee “the safety and integrity of high-value-added transported goods.”
A vessel with dimensions of 220 feet (67 meters), an air draft of 200 feet (61 meters), and a width of 82 feet (25 meters) is required by the design. The aluminum hull will be constructed with Austal’s industry expertise. Carbon will be used for the masts.
In addition to two hydro-generators, the ship will include more than 3,230 square feet of solar panels. 51 shipping containers’ worth of cargo will fit inside it.
Austal, which is renowned for its proficiency in multihull and aluminum constructions, was chosen by VELA following an international tender in which over thirty shipyards took part, according to VELA, with assistance from BRS Shipbrokers. Austal’s experience will be advantageous to the first VELA Trimaran, which will also use the sailing systems of the offshore racing team MerConcept.
Austal Philippines will build the ship in Balamban, Cebu, and it is expected to be delivered in the second half of 2026. Furthermore, according to VELA, 30 percent of the construction will be completed by French firms, including rigging, sails, and hydro-generators, thereby enhancing the quality and expertise of the country’s sailing sector. The ship will have a French registration.
“Austal is excited to partner with VELA on this groundbreaking project. Our expertise in multihull design and aluminum shipbuilding, combined with VELA’s innovative vision, will create a revolutionary sailing cargo trimaran,” stated Paddy Gregg, CEO of Austal. “This vessel will set new speed, reliability, and sustainability standards for transatlantic shipping.”
The company claims that the funds from the latest round will enable VELA to formally begin construction of its first vessel. Additionally, they intend to use the funding to bolster their operations and sales teams in the US and France.
VELA intends to run between the east coast of the United States and the Atlantic coast of France. They anticipate starting operations in the second half of 2026, joining the increasing number of cargo ships powered by sail that French companies are launching for the Atlantic. At least four more ships are expected to be in operation by 2027 or 2028, according to VELA. Reaching one departure each week and increasing departure frequency are the objectives.