11 Nov
Takeda is preparing to pilot a new model for sustainable logistics by partnering with maritime startup Vela. In 2026, the pharmaceutical company will load temperature-controlled medicines onto Vela’s first commercial wind-powered trimaran. Designed with technology inspired by ocean-racing vessels, the ship will attempt to complete the route from Caen, France, to New York City in roughly two weeks, offering a potential middle ground between slow ocean freight and costly air transport.
The test shipment will include Takeda’s blood-disease treatments and aims to verify that Vela’s refrigerated trimaran complies fully with Good Distribution Practice requirements. Takeda plans to move about 5% of its France–U.S. volumes on this route during 2026 to validate the concept before expanding. According to the company, reliance on wind power could accelerate its progress toward net-zero emissions by 2040, while reducing dependence on air cargo and avoiding the inefficiencies of booking full 40-foot containers for small pallet quantities.
Vela’s inaugural U.S. voyage is expected to carry goods from other brands as well, including apparel producer SMCP, winemaker Arvitis, and medical device company Echosens, which intends to transition all of its shipments to Vela by late 2026. Vela will offer port-to-port handling, covering gate operations, loading, unloading and warehousing, and will prioritize smaller secondary harbors to bypass congestion at major container ports.
The company is scheduled to receive its first 220-foot vessel next summer. It will feature extensive solar coverage, dual hydrogenerators, and two 171-foot racing masts designed to maintain an average speed of 14 knots. Vela plans to expand its fleet to five trimarans by 2028, enabling weekly round-trips between France and the United States and transporting up to 48,000 tons annually. Target industries include pharmaceuticals, medical devices, luxury goods and industrial components, driven by the need for faster transit times and reduced inventory costs.
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source: – Antone Gonsalves via supplychaindive.com
