Takeda Partners with VELA for Eco-Friendly Shipping
Japanese biopharmaceutical giant Takeda has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Bordeaux-based VELA Transport to utilize innovative sailing cargo trimarans for transporting its products between Europe and the United States. This collaboration marks a significant step towards sustainable shipping, as VELA’s vessels are designed to operate entirely on wind power, promising ultra-low emissions and enhanced efficiency. The inaugural voyage is slated for late 2026, with the capacity to carry 600 pallets of pharmaceutical goods.
Revolutionizing Maritime Transport
VELA Transport is set to redefine the shipping industry with its fleet of next-generation aluminum sailing cargo vessels. These trimarans are engineered specifically for the pharmaceutical sector, ensuring secure and reliable transport of sensitive products. By leveraging advanced offshore racing technologies and optimizing port operations, VELA aims to achieve transatlantic delivery times of under 15 days. The trimaran, measuring 65 meters in length and 25 meters in width, boasts an average speed of 14 knots, making it a formidable player in the maritime transport arena.
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One of the standout features of VELA’s trimaran is its stability, which allows it to operate without the need for water ballasts, a common requirement in traditional cargo vessels. This innovative design not only enhances the vessel’s performance but also contributes to its eco-friendly credentials. VELA plans to expand its fleet to five trimarans by 2028, with the goal of transporting up to 48,000 tons of goods annually. This ambitious scaling reflects a commitment to sustainable business practices and a vision for a greener future in maritime logistics.
“Delivering life-transforming treatments across the Atlantic using only the power of the wind is a powerful example of what sustainable business practice can achieve,” stated Pierre-Arnaud Vallon, CEO of VELA. “Together, we are building a new standard for maritime transport: efficient, sustainable, safe, and resilient.” With France being home to numerous pioneers in wind-assisted shipping, this partnership is poised to set a new benchmark in the industry.
