A new strategic collaboration between DHL Global Forwarding France and VELA is set to introduce lower-emission shipping solutions on the Europe-North America route. This partnership combines the DHL’S expertise in transport organization, customs, and warehousing with the innovative sailing technology developed by VELA. The DHL VELA partnership is specifically designed to provide transatlantic freight services for palletized Less-than-Container Load (LCL) shipments, catering to sectors such as pharmaceuticals, luxury goods, aerospace, and cosmetics. By utilizing lower-emission logistics, the service aims to meet the needs of businesses seeking lower-emission shipping efficiency without sacrificing reliability, traceability and security.
Operational Efficiency and Environmental Impact
The lower-emission shipping service will utilize wind propulsion vessels capable of transporting 600 EU pallets per trip. Operating on a direct route between the ports of Caen-Ouistreham and New Haven, the initiative seeks to bypass congestion at major maritime hubs and reduce the need for transshipments. According to an independent analysis by Carbone 4, this sustainable maritime transport solution could reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 99% under specific conditions compared to conventional transport modes. VELA has set a target port-to-port transit time of 15 days.
To protect sensitive products, the vessels will feature the patent-pending CoolSafe™ system. This GDP-compliant refrigeration technology is powered primarily by onboard renewable energy sources, maintaining the integrity of high-value goods throughout the journey. This focus on sustainable maritime transport ensures that the cold chain remains intact while significantly lowering the carbon footprint of the voyage.
Future Expansion and Leadership Perspectives
Commercial operations for the DHL-VELA partnership are slated to begin in early 2027. The long-term vision includes a fleet of five ships providing weekly departures on the transatlantic route. DHL Global Forwarding France has secured a dedicated allocation on these vessels, with plans to scale volume as the fleet grows. This move into transatlantic freight via sail power reflects a broader commitment to integrating lower-emission logistics into global supply chains.
“Developed with a partner that shares our focus on service quality, this initiative reflects our approach of combining logistics expertise with practical, lower-emission solutions,” said Laurent Terreyre, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding France.
“By partnering with DHL Global Forwarding France, we are making wind-powered freight for transatlantic shipping available to a broader range of customers. This collaboration aims to provide a lower-emission alternative that is designed to integrate into existing supply chains with standard logistics processes, while maintaining consistent service standards,” said Michaël Fernandez-Ferri, Managing Director of VELA.
