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DHL Global Forwarding France and VELA have announced a strategic partnership to introduce lower-emission shipping solutions on transatlantic routes. This collaboration aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional transportation methods, as stated by VELA. The initial focus is on trade between Europe and the USA.
The new shipping solution combines the logistics expertise of DHL Global Forwarding France with the innovative technology of VELA, an operator of wind-powered cargo trimarans. These vessels utilize wind power as their primary propulsion, which is expected to lead to a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. According to the company’s information, emissions are anticipated to decrease by up to 99% compared to air freight and by up to 90% compared to conventional sea transport. The results depend on specific routes and calculation assumptions.
Focus on lower-emission transport
The new service is particularly aimed at customers from the pharmaceutical industry, the luxury goods sector, the cosmetics industry, as well as aerospace and the wine and spirits industry. These customers are seeking more environmentally friendly shipping options without compromising on speed, reliability, traceability, or security. The solution is specifically designed for palletized LCL (Less-than-Container Load) deliveries.
The wind-powered cargo will transport 600 EU pallets per transatlantic journey and establish a direct connection between the ports of Caen-Ouistreham in France and New Haven in the USA. This route is expected to offer a combination of speed, reliability, and a significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions profile, based on the Carbone-4-LCA study. VELA plans a transit time of 15 days from port to port.
