DHL Global Forwarding has agreed to utilize wind-powered cargo vessels developed by French startup Vela, according to a report published on June 25, 2026. The service is expected to commence next year, with Vela’s first commercial transatlantic voyages planned for 2027.

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Vela is developing aluminum trimarans approximately 67 meters in length. Each vessel can transport up to 415 tonnes of cargo, which is roughly five times the volume of a freight aircraft, yet remains significantly smaller than a conventional container ship. The ships are designed to cruise at about 14 knots using wind propulsion. Instead of adhering to fixed liner routes, the vessels will optimize their journeys based on weather patterns and wind conditions.

Vela has stated that the service could cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 99% compared to air freight and by approximately 90% relative to traditional sea transport. The company is focusing on high-value and time-sensitive goods, such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and luxury items, where shippers seek faster options than standard ocean freight but with a lower carbon footprint than air cargo.

DHL’s participation provides the project with a significant commercial anchor, as wind-powered shipping startups work to transition from demonstration projects to regular cargo operations. Vela intends to build a fleet of five trimarans by 2030, enabling weekly transatlantic sailings. Additional cargo capacity will also be offered to other companies.

The initiative is part of a broader resurgence of wind propulsion in commercial shipping, a trend that was prominently displayed at the Posidonia exhibition in Greece earlier this month.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform