Further applications of French SolidSail

The recent launch of the 220-metre cruise ship Orient Express Corinthian marks the first time wind propulsion has been used on a passenger ship of this size.

The ship is equipped with three SolidSail systems on 100-metre-high masts, with a total of 4,500 m² of sail area. This should enable a speed of about 17 knots under sail, even without engine support. The sails can be folded down when not in use.

This is the first time the innovative SolidSail propulsion system, developed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, has been used on a commercial vessel. In favourable weather conditions, the vessel can sail entirely on wind power. To support the sails, the vessel will also have a hybrid propulsion system powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), allowing it to sail virtually emission-free.

The ship is equipped with several advanced environmental technologies. One of these is an AI-driven floating object detection system to reduce the risk of collisions with marine mammals. The vessel also features dynamic positioning technology, which keeps the ship stable without the need for anchoring, protecting vulnerable sea beds.

In addition, BIO-UV Group is providing a chemical-free UV-based ballast water treatment system, called BIO-SEA, which safely and efficiently treats water on board. When the ship is commissioned next year, the system is expected to be able to treat water flows of up to 135 m3/h.

The ship’s interior is designed to reflect the timeless elegance of luxury travel. Architect Maxime d’Angeac, artistic director of Orient Express, designed the interior with inspiration from both the golden age of ocean liners such as the Normandie and the heritage of the Orient Express train.

The ship will offer 54 spacious suites ranging from 45 to 230 square metres, all with large windows or private terraces and high ceilings for added comfort. Multi-Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno will head the culinary section. The ship will have five restaurants and private dining rooms. The Orient Express Corinthian will begin its first cruise season in June 2026, with 27 different itineraries between May and October. Itineraries will take guests through the Mediterranean and Adriatic, with options ranging from short two-night trips to longer 14-day voyages.

The itineraries follow favourable winds to reduce environmental impact and provide an authentic sailing experience. After the summer season in Europe, the ship crosses the Atlantic to spend the winter in the Caribbean. It sails under the French flag. A second ship, the Orient Express Olympian, is already under development and is expected to be added to the fleet in summer 2027.

At the same time, the completion of the freighter Neoliner Origin, which is also equipped with two SolidSails, is in its final stages. Although the system has not yet been tested at sea, several shipping companies have now opted for this application, and several installations are also planned in the coming years. Combined with the plea from the French industry for adapted regulations to support wind propulsion, this confirms France as a key player in the further development of this technology.

Sources: Marine Insight, Marineindustrynews.
Image: Marineindustrynews.

Editor’s note

Apart from the technology of the system itself, it will be interesting to see how they have ensured the stability of the ship. Passenger ships are already subject to additional IMO regulations, but these do not include wind propulsion. Class organisation Bureau Veritas does apply additional stability criteria for ships with wind propulsion, although these do not explicitly name passenger transport. The ship is equipped with an approximately 5.5-metre-long retractable keel to ensure stability under sail, but exactly how its effect is taken into account in stability calculations and sailing operations is as yet unclear.

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