Hybrid-powered RoRo will strengthen Compagnie Maritime Nantaise’s cargo transport capabilities for Europe’s growing space industry
French shipping company Compagnie Maritime Nantaise (MN), part of the European Sogestran Group, is to build a new hybrid-powered RoRo vessel dedicated to the maritime transportation of cargoes for the space industry. The new vessel will combine conventional mechanical propulsion with wind-assisted propulsion, representing an investment in more efficient and lower-emission maritime transport for specialised cargo operations.
This new industrial asset will strengthen the company’s transport capabilities and support the growth of the European space industry, particularly within the framework of its long-term partnership with Avio. The vessel is expected to enter service by 2030.
The new vessel has been primarily designed to meet the specific requirements associated with the maritime transportation of launch vehicles, satellites, related equipment and other sensitive industrial cargoes.
Its construction follows the strategic partnership announced in June 2026 between Avio and Compagnie Maritime Nantaise. Building on more than fifteen years of collaboration between the two companies in support of the European space industry, the vessel will notably support the increasing delivery rate of Avio’s Vega-C launch vehicles between Europe and the Guiana Space Centre. It will also enable the company to strengthen its position in the transportation of satellites and strategic equipment and, when required, carry oversized components of the Ariane 6 programme.
The vessel will feature several complementary cargo areas, including a large main RoRo deck, a dedicated compartment for space-related cargoes with controlled environmental conditions, and a flexible open deck.
Marc-Antoine Girardet, President of the Maritime Division of Sogestran Group:”This new vessel marks another milestone in the development of our activities serving the European space industry. It has been designed to meet our customers’ growing requirements in terms of safety, reliability and logistical flexibility. This contract is the result of the cross-functional and collective efforts carried out over several years within Sogestran Group, Compagnie Maritime Nantaise and Avio. I would like to warmly thank all the people involved for their contribution to this achievement.”
The vessel’s propulsion system will combine conventional mechanical propulsion with a wind-assistance system consisting of three automated OceanWings rigid sails.
This technology was selected for its performance, ease of onboard integration, industrial maturity and suitability for the vessel’s operational profile.
The reduction of the vessel’s environmental footprint will rely on several complementary measures, including wind-assisted propulsion, an efficient mechanical propulsion system, optimised hull design, advanced weather routing, system automation and compatibility with biofuels.
The shipbuilding contract was signed on 21 August 2026 with Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI), following an extensive process involving consultations, technical evaluations, site visits and contractual negotiations.
A subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), GSI is recognised as one of the world’s leading shipyards for the construction of RoRo and RoPax vessels.
This selection reflects Compagnie Maritime Nantaise’s commitment to working with a partner capable of meeting the highest operational standards, whose expertise in the design and construction of complex vessels is widely recognised.
The Project team includes:-
- Director, Compagnie Maritime Nantaise: Mathieu Muzeau
- Technical Director, Compagnie Maritime Nantaise: Jérôme Belliot
- Project Managers, Sogestran Group: Arnaud Rampal and Mathieu Longueville
- Designers: Knud E. Hansen and VPLP Design
- Ship Broker : BRS
- Shipyard: Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI)
- Wind-Assisted Propulsion : OceanWings
