Wind-Powered Trimaran Cargo Ship To Be Launched In 2026 - CleanTechnica

The article announces the upcoming launch of a wind-powered trimaran cargo ship, developed through a partnership between Takeda and VELA, set to begin operations in 2026. This innovative vessel measures 220 feet in length with a beam of 82 feet and features two 171-foot-high masts. It is designed to transport up to 600 European or 500 US pallets, focusing on high-value, temperature-sensitive goods such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, luxury items, and wine. The ship aims to cross the Atlantic from France to the eastern United States in under 15 days, offering speeds two to four times faster than traditional cargo vessels by utilizing less congested secondary harbors and efficient loading/unloading processes. The trimaran is propelled entirely by wind power during ocean crossings, with hydraulic engines powered by renewable energy sources—solar panels, batteries, and underwater hydro-generators—used only for maneuvering, eliminating fossil fuel use in standard operations. It carries over 240 square meters of photovoltaic