DHL Global Forwarding has partnered with France-based wind-powered maritime firm VELA, founded in 2023, to launch a new low-carbon transatlantic cargo shipping service. Adopting high-performance trimaran wind-powered vessels, the service cuts emissions by up to 99% versus air freight and 90% against traditional sea freight. It initially offers direct sailings between France and the US, with a plan to expand to five vessels for weekly departures, transporting up to 600 EU pallets per 15-day voyage with reliable ocean-shipping-level efficiency and traceability. DHL France will handle full logistics services including transportation arrangement, customs and warehousing, while VELA provides the wind-powered shipping solution. Tailored for palletized LCL shipments across pharmaceuticals, luxury goods, aerospace and other industries, the vessels are equipped with renewable-energy-driven refrigeration systems. Both parties stated the collaboration integrates eco-friendly, standard-process-compatible shipping into existing supply chains, expanding accessible low-emission transatlantic freight options while ensuring stable service quality.
Sources: https://www.esgtoday.com/dhl-to-offer-wind-powered-ocean-shipping/