Japanese biopharmaceutical company Takeda has chosen French transport company VELA Transport (Bordeaux) to ship its products between Europe and the United States using the unique wind-powered cargo trimaran VELA.
VELA is developing a next-generation fleet of aluminum sailing cargo vessels powered exclusively by wind energy. Purpose-built for pharmaceutical shipments, the trimaran will provide reliable, safe, and ultra-low-emission logistics. Its first voyage is scheduled for late 2026, with a capacity of up to 600 pallets.
The company aims to reduce transatlantic delivery times to under 15 days by leveraging ocean-racing technologies, optimized routes, and faster handling in secondary ports. By 2028, VELA plans to operate a fleet of five trimarans, transporting up to 48,000 tons of cargo per year. The vessel will measure 65 meters in length, 25 meters in width, and sail at an average speed of 14 knots.
Thanks to its stability, the trimaran is expected to become the world’s only cargo sailing vessel that does not rely on water ballast.
“Transporting life-saving medicines across the Atlantic using only the power of wind is a powerful example of what sustainable practices can achieve. Together, we are setting a new standard in maritime transport: efficient, eco-friendly, safe, and resilient,” said Pierre-Arnaud Vallon, CEO of VELA.
France continues to strengthen its role as a pioneer in wind-powered shipping innovation.
