The Future of Sustainable Shipping: The Orient Express Silenseas and France’s Commitment to Wind Power

The Orient Express Silenseas, set to launch in 2026, will become the world’s largest sailing ship. This ambitious project is a result of a collaboration between shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique and Norwegian engineering company Brunvoll. According to Interesting Engineering’s report on April 30, two ships will initially be built, with the possibility of adding two more in the future.

Brunvoll will provide the propulsion system for the vessels, featuring a dual propeller configuration with adjustable pitch to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. The propeller will be powered by a direct drive electric motor, with Brunvoll also supplying the Thrust-OD gearbox to control the pitch of the propeller blades.

The Orient Express Silenseas will measure 220 meters in length and boast three towering masts reaching over 100 meters high, with a sail area of 1,500 square meters. The ship will have 54 cabins and be powered by a dual-fuel engine from Wärtsilä, utilizing both liquefied natural gas and hydrogen for a more sustainable operation.

Yann Penduff, the project manager, emphasized the importance of promoting sustainable operations in the maritime industry. He highlighted how this innovative vessel has the potential to reduce carbon emissions significantly. With an expected launch date of 2026, the Silenseas represents a significant step towards environmental-friendly practices in the maritime sector.

In another development related to sustainability in shipping, France recently signed a package with maritime industry investors to support wind-powered ship propulsion systems as promising technology for reducing carbon emissions in the sector. This innovation is crucial given that international shipping is responsible for significant carbon dioxide emissions comparable to Germany’s total annual emissions.