Austal announced that Austal Australasia has been awarded a contract to design and construct a wind-powered aluminium cargo trimaran for Vela Transport of Bayonne, France.
VPLP of Paris
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-2026.
The exact purchase price for the vessel cannot be disclosed for commercial reasons, however, is in the range of AUD 40–45 million.
Sailing cargo trimaran
Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said:
“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.
Trimaran design
“Austal’s proven experience in trimaran design offers Vela a large cargo space and greater flexibility while delivering superior seakeeping, efficiency, and performance. The shallow draft of the trimaran also allows greater access to secondary ports, facilitating access to Vela’s customers’ factories and warehouses.
Conventional container ships
“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.
25 large trimarans
“Having designed and constructed 25 large trimarans for commercial and defence operators around the world since 2007, no other shipbuilder is better placed to deliver this impressive new ship for Vela, and the Austal Philippines team can’t wait to get started.
Global tender process
“Our thanks to the Vela team for their trust in Austal to deliver their first ever sailing cargo trimaran, a vessel that will undoubtedly play a leading role in promoting the decarbonisation and sustainability of the international maritime transport industry.”
Austal was selected after a global tender process lasting over nine months.
Australia’s global shipbuilder
Austal is Australia’s global shipbuilder, defence prime contractor and maritime technology partner of choice; designing, constructing and supporting revolutionary defence and commercial vessels for the world’s leading operators.
