With over 80% of world trade moved by sea, the demand for eco-friendly alternatives is more urgent than ever. The maritime industry is under pressure to adopt cleaner, more sustainable transport solutions to lower carbon emissions.
VELA, a trailblazing French company offering 100% wind-powered maritime transport, has secured €40 million ($43 million USD) from various investors. The funding round is led by Crédit Mutuel Impact, 11th Hour Racing, and the French Public Investment Bank (BPI). This substantial capital injection represents a major milestone for VELA as it aims to revolutionize international cargo shipping with sustainable, wind-powered vessels.
The maritime company plans to use this funding to begin construction on its first sailing cargo trimaran officially. It will also utilize the fund to expand its operational and sales teams in both France and the United States.
Michael Fernandez-Ferri, Managing Director and Chairman of VELA, remarked on the fundraising, saying that:
“This major fundraising marks a key step in VELA’s development. This sailing cargo trimaran symbolizes our vision of a world combining innovation, sustainability, and humanity.”
VELA’s Eco-Friendly Approach to Maritime Transport
The French startup’s development is underpinned by a strong transatlantic vision. It has the ultimate goal of providing fast, reliable, and eco-friendly shipping services that will reduce carbon emissions and create a more sustainable maritime industry.
Since its founding in November 2022, VELA has positioned itself as a key player in addressing both the climate crisis and social responsibility in the shipping sector. The industry contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions.
Shipping accounts for over 80% of global trade and emitted over a billion tons of CO2 in 2018, according to the International Maritime Organization. And this emission will continue to rise as shown below. The maritime regulator has taken measures to cut the industry’s GHG emissions and reach net zero emissions goal by 2050.
Many shipping companies are already embracing green initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and bring the sector to net zero. Some are investing in cleaner fuels like methanol, using technologies such as wind propulsion and hull-cleaning robots, and adopting energy-efficient ship designs.
VELA steps in to help mitigate the industry’s impact with its wind-powered ships. In a market where fast, reliable service is paramount, the startup stands out for its unique combination of sustainability and speed.
Traditional cargo ships can take weeks to complete transatlantic crossings. But VELA’s innovative trimaran aims to reduce this time to under 15 days, including loading and unloading. The trimaran, which draws inspiration from offshore racing technology, will operate 100% under sail, offering a genuinely carbon-neutral transport solution.
Additionally, VELA’s services cater to shippers of high-value goods such as industrial parts, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare equipment. The trimaran’s cargo holds will be temperature-controlled to meet the stringent needs of these industries, ensuring the integrity and safety of goods during transport.
A Greener Route With Groundbreaking Ship Design
The centerpiece of VELA’s ambitious plans is its first vessel—the world’s largest sailing cargo trimaran known as “L’avion des Mers” or “The Sea Plane”. This cutting-edge ship will be built by the renowned Australian shipyard Austal, with additional technical input from the offshore racing experts at MerConcept. Construction is set to begin soon, with delivery expected in the second half of 2026.
The trimaran will feature groundbreaking technology and design, allowing it to cross the Atlantic with unprecedented speed and reliability. The vessel will measure 220 feet in length, with a height of 200 feet and a width of 82 feet. The hull will be constructed from aluminum, while the masts will be made of carbon to ensure both durability and lightweight efficiency.
To further enhance its eco-friendly profile, the ship will feature over 3,230 square feet of photovoltaic panels and two hydro-generators. They will supply renewable energy to support the vessel’s operations.
Other Notable Green Innovations on the High Seas
VELA’s first trimaran will service a dedicated maritime line between the Atlantic coast of France and the eastern seaboard of the United States. This route is strategically important for VELA’s business model, as it will connect two major economic regions while offering a decarbonized, reliable, and secure shipping option for high-value goods.
The company’s clients come from diverse sectors, including fashion, wines and spirits, custom-made artisanal products, food, medical supplies, and high-tech industries. VELA expects to see increased demand for its services as more companies seek sustainable transport options, especially for products that cannot afford long shipping times.
Normandy and New Aquitaine, two key regions in France, will play vital roles in VELA’s operations. These strategic territories will host departure ports, ensuring that VELA’s decarbonized maritime solutions are accessible to customers across France.
Another company operating in the maritime sector, Vision Marine Technologies is leading emission reduction with its electric boats. The company specializes in manufacturing fully electric boats that produce zero emissions, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vessels. The Canadian-based company commits to advancing clean energy in the marine industry.
Maersk made history by implementing the first green bunkering service with methanol, positioning itself as the world’s first shipping line to operate a container vessel on green fuel. Last year, COSCO Shipping launched an electric container vessel with a 700 TEU capacity.
Additionally, MSC joined SEA-LNG, advocating for LNG’s role in decarbonization. Wallenius Wilhelmsen is prepping for both green methanol and ammonia-powered ships, while DB Schenker and Hapag-Lloyd have partnered to use biofuels for emissions reduction.
Evergreen Marine is tracking greenhouse gas emissions, and major ports globally are setting up green methanol bunkering services.
Now Vela, with this funding round and strategic partnerships in place, is well on its way to becoming a leader in sustainable maritime transport. As the world shifts towards greener practices, VELA’s wind-powered ships could represent the future of global shipping.