The shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique/STX France has initiated the construction of OE Corinthian, marking the commencement of the first wind-powered cruise ship project within the Orient Express Silenseas fleet.
The steel-cutting ceremony occurred on March 28, 2024, at the shipyard in Saint-Nazaire.
OE Corinthian stands as the inaugural vessel in a series of luxury cruise ships ordered in early 2023 by French hotel group Accord SA for its subsidiary Orient Express.
Distinguished as the pioneer cruise ship equipped with the Solid Sail propulsion system, OE Corinthian heralds an innovative era. Developed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, the groundbreaking system, introduced in 2022, will be powered by three rigid sails, each boasting a surface area of 1,500 m2 (16146 ft2). These sails will be raised on a balestron rig, featuring three tilting masts towering 100+ meters high, capable of providing up to 100% propulsion under favorable weather conditions.
Furthermore, the vessel will operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and be primed for hydrogen fuel integration.
Touted as the ‘largest sailboat in the world,’ OE Corinthian will boast impressive dimensions, spanning 220 meters (722 ft) in length, 25 meters (82 ft) in width, and a volume of 26,600 GT tons.
Scheduled for its maiden voyage in 2026, the newbuild will be France-flagged.
The ceremonial steel-cutting event was followed by the formalization of a wind propulsion pact between the French government and key maritime stakeholders.
Through this pact, the French government reaffirmed its backing for wind-assisted ship propulsion initiatives, aligning with efforts to curtail the maritime sector's environmental impact. With a vision to secure 30% of the global market share utilizing French wind propulsion technology, the government emphasized its commitment to sustainable maritime practices.