Global parcel and logistics provider DHL plans to offer lower-emission shipping solutions on selected transatlantic routes by sending certain shipments in a ship powered by sails instead of an engine, the company said today.
The project comes from a partnership announced between DHL Global Forwarding France, the air and ocean freight specialist of DHL Group, and VELA, the operator of wind-powered cargo trimarans using wind as the primary propulsion when at sea.
This shipping solution will combine DHL Global Forwarding France’s expertise in transport organization, pre-carriage, on-carriage, customs, warehousing, and associated logistics services, with the unique sailing maritime solution developed by French boatbuilder VELA.
The service for palletized LCL (Less-than-Container Load) shipments is primarily designed for customers seeking lower-emission shipping options with no compromise on speed, reliability, traceability or security, DHL said. That means it will be tailored to the pharmaceutical, high value & luxury goods, cosmetics, aerospace, and wine & spirits industries between Europe and the United States in both directions.
Each wind-propelled ship will carry 600 EU pallets per transatlantic trip operating as a direct route between strategic secondary ports, such as Caen-Ouistreham and New Haven.
“By partnering with DHL Global Forwarding France, we are making wind-powered freight for transatlantic shipping available to a broader range of customers,” said Michaël Fernandez-Ferri, Managing Director of VELA. “This collaboration aims to provide a lower-emission alternative that is designed to integrate into existing supply chains with standard logistics processes, while maintaining consistent service standards.”
