The cruise ship Orient Express Silenseas is set to become the world’s largest sailing ship upon its launch in 2026. The ship is a product of a collaboration between shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique and Norwegian engineering company Brunvoll. Initially, two ships will be built with the possibility of adding two more in the future, according to a report by Interesting Engineering on April 30.
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.
The project manager, Yann Penduff, emphasized the importance of promoting sustainable operations in the maritime industry, highlighting the ship’s potential to reduce carbon emissions. With an expected launch date of 2026, the Silenseas represents a significant step towards environmental-friendly practices in the maritime sector.
In a separate development, the French government and maritime industry investors recently signed a package to support wind-powered ship propulsion systems, as a promising technology to reduce carbon emissions in the industry. This innovation is crucial in light of the significant carbon dioxide emissions attributed to the international shipping sector, which is comparable to the emissions of a country like Germany.