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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.

View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vela-unveils-its-unique-sailing-cargo-trimaran-an-innovative-ship-for-100-wind-powered-transportation-301849076.html

SOURCE 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.

Press Release

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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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Tina specializes in advanced energy technology, military sustainability, emerging materials, biofuels, ESG and related policy and political matters. Views expressed are her own. Follow her on LinkedIn, Threads, or Bluesky.

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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.

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

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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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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)

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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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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.

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.

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Island Windjammers Tall Ship Vela

Ship Specifications

Length: 156 feet Beam: 30 feet Draft: 14 feet Built: 1988 Crew: 10 Capacity: 26

Her name means “sail.” One look, and you’ll be taken back to a time when tall ships ruled the waves. Everything about Vela will light your imagination and inspire a sense of wanderlust. Vela’s snug cabins all feature portholes and private bathrooms. Her teak decks are spacious and inviting with plenty of room to spread out.

Sail Vela and experience the kind of small-ship adventure that fulfills your pirate soul in 21st-century comfort!

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Rates are PER PERSON, in U.S. funds. Solo cabins are single occupancy. All other cabins are double occupancy.

All-Inclusive Cruise rates include meals, beverages (water, juice, soda, beer, wine, and rum punch), cabin service, port charges and taxes, and complimentary use of snorkel gear for the week. You’re welcome to bring your own spirits on board to mix your favorite drinks.

Payment Terms A non-refundable deposit of $750 pp is required on 6-night sailings, or $1500 pp on premium cabins. Premium class cabins are the Owners' Suite, Topsail, and Compass cabins, and Lyra Suites and Staterooms. The non-refundable deposit on 10 and 12-night sailings are $1500 pp. Balance is due no later than 90 days prior to sailing. Full payment is required if reserving online or within 90 days of sailing. Book online or give us a call Monday through Friday 9 AM to 5 PM EST at 877.772.4549. After hours and weekends leave a voice message and your call will be returned promptly.

Payment may be made with Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express. Checks are not accepted.

Here’s a link to our complete  Cruise Terms & Conditions .

Vela accommodates 26 guests in air-conditioned single and double occupancy cabins. All cabins feature portholes, 110v outlets, blow dryers, and shampoo/soap are provided in all cabins.

Cadet Solo Cabins are single occupancy cabins with a twin berth and a compact, all-in-one bathroom.

Standard Cabins feature a wider lower and single upper berth and an all-in-one shower/bathroom.

Deluxe Cabins feature a double lower and single upper berth and a private bathroom with shower.

Staysail Cabins feature a roomy double berth and private bathroom with shower.

Compass Cabins are located in the aft section of the ship. These spacious cabins feature a queen size bed (no upper bunk) and an ensuite bathroom with shower.

A queen size bed and luxury bathroom are the star features of the roomy Topsail Cabin.

The spacious Owner’s Suite boasts a king size bed and large bathroom. There are portholes in both the cabin and the bathroom.

ALWAYS ON ISLAND TIME

The Vela 32TE provides the same epic cat hull experience as its big brother but in a more compact package. Get the best of both worlds with incredible offshore and inshore versatility.

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Perfect Size

Big enough to dominate offshore conditions while small enough to slip into those inshore party spots.

Room For Activities

Whether it’s fighting trophy fish or sliding past your friend to grab another beer, a wide beam provides ample deck space.

Range To Explore

Cover serious distance in between refills. Spend less time at the pump and more time finding those secret spots.

Speed Is Safety

The quicker you can get out of bad weather, the better. Get to your destination faster so you can enjoy it longer.

Surprisingly Skinny

Our catamarans design displaces water over a larger surface area providing a very shallow draft for the boats size.

Light Yet Strong

Less weight equals more efficiency, speed, and range. Not to mention it's easier to tow for adventures.

Master Of All Trades

One part performance fishing boat, one part luxury cruiser.

With comfortable bench seating in the bow, and transom fold-down cushioned seating in the stern, the Vela 32TE is perfect for a full day of deep-sea fishing or a comfortable day at the sandbar.

Mission Control

Fully integrated touchscreen controls.

The clean layout, dash, and components are intuitive, easy to use, and make a day on the water a breeze. Complicated start-up/shut down procedures are a thing of the past. The simple cockpit layout allows you to fight a fish without obstacles in your way.

The Game Changer

Traditional craftsmanship combined with state of the art technology.

The Vela 32TE Catamaran is crafted with passion and built to last by our team of expert boat builders. We have gone over every inch of our boat to provide the most intuitive layout possible. Everything you need is right where you expect it to be. Once you experience the how dry and smooth the ride is you will never want to go back to a traditional hull design again.

Creature Comforts

Led lighting.

Premium LED light throughout the boat. Change the feel of your boat by rotating through multiple color options and ambient lighting.

Quality Components

From the premium stainless hardware to the upholstery and beautiful teak helm seats everything about the Vela 37TE is top notch.

Premium Audio

All of our boats are outfitted with the best audio package available. We believe you shouldn’t have to opt-in for the packages, they should be standard.

Wireless Charging

The Vela 32TE features unique inductive charging for added convenience.

Touchscreen Controls

Take control of all aspects of your vessel with dual touchscreen displays that are fully integrated with all of the Vela 32TE's systems.

Lithium Ion Power

Lighter, Faster, Stronger The increased lifespan, faster charging, and 1/5 the weight make Lithium Ion power a no brainer.

Excellence Comes Standard

Vela boats are strong, stable and built for the sea. The over-engineered structure of the boat gives you peace of mind. She’ll handle rough seas, take a beating, and get you home safely. All of our components and accessories are also built for the toughest of elements. We want your boat to retain its quality and reliability for years to come.

Ready To Get Your 32TE On The Water?

Vela Boatworks strives to provide the best experience for our customers. Your time on the water is special to you and we feel you shouldn’t sacrifice while experiencing those special moments. We’ve thought about every inch of our boat. Making sure everything is positioned perfectly, for both ease of use and aesthetics.

Our flagship catamaran combining the ultimate in luxury and performance

The all new 37TE is the next evolution of the Vela catamaran

The Vela 318 provides the same epic cat hull experience as its big brother but in a more compact package

The all new Vela 32TE is the not so little brother in the family

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VELA Launches Wind-Powered Cargo Trimaran

VELA Unveils Unique Sailing Cargo Trimaran Powered 100% by Wind, states a Renewable Energy Magazine news source.

Trimaran cargo ship

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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Source: Renewable Energy Magazine

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Patí vela - Sailing in its simplest form

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.

Article published on 12/07/2023

published in n°SP20 aug. / sept.

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.

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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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