DHL Global Forwarding France and VELA launch lower-emission shipping solution on selected transatlantic routes, based on indicative lifecycle assessments

• Partnership offers option for reliable, secure low-emission sea freight shipping with reduced greenhouse gas intensity compared to conventional alternatives, initially focusing on Europe-U.S. trade
• Solution is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 99% compared to air freight and up to 90% compared to conventional sea freight, depending on route and calculation assumptions¹

Villepinte (France), [June 22, 2026] 2026: DHL Global Forwarding France, the air and ocean freight specialist of DHL Group, and VELA, the French operator of wind-powered cargo trimarans using wind as the primary propulsion when at sea²  signed an unprecedented strategic partnership on the Europe-North America route. 

This shipping solution will combine DHL Global Forwarding France’s expertise in transport organization, pre-carriage, on-carriage, customs, warehousing, and associated logistics services, with the unique sailing maritime solution developed by VELA. 

The service for palletized LCL (Less-than-Container Load) shipments is primarily designed for customers seeking lower-emission shipping options with no compromise on speed, reliability, traceability or security – tailored to the pharmaceutical, high value & luxury goods, cosmetics, aerospace, and wine & spirits industries between Europe and the United States in both directions. 

An innovative freight line 

The wind propulsion cargo will carry 600 EU pallets per transatlantic trip operating as a direct route between strategic secondary ports — Caen-Ouistreham and New Haven— to combine speed, reliability, safety, and a significantly reduced greenhouse gas emission profile based on Carbone 4 LCA study. By reducing exposure to congestion at major hubs, limiting transshipments, and strengthening operational control, it aims to be among the leading lower-emission transatlantic service options currently available, based on indicative comparisons. VELA aims for a target port-to-port transit time of 15 days.

The patent-pending CoolSafe™ by VELA, is a GDP compliant³ refrigeration system, powered primarily by onboard renewable energy sources to preserve the integrity of highly sensitive products throughout their journey. 

According to the independent analysis conducted by Carbone 4, the VELA solution indicates a lower lifecycle greenhouse gas impact compared to other transport modes on comparable routes, with reductions of up to 99% under specific assumptions.

A dedicated step toward lower-emission shipping 

DHL Global Forwarding France will have a dedicated allocation on VELA’s vessel with volume commitments that are expected to grow in line with the fleet’s expansion. Commercial operations are scheduled to begin in early 2027, with ultimately five ships and up to one weekly departure on the transatlantic route.

“As a leading player in the global logistics industry, DHL is committed to supporting the decarbonization of transport and expanding the range of solutions available to its customers. This partnership with VELA represents a concrete step in that direction, allowing us to integrate a dedicated, locally anchored wind-powered shipping option into our customer offering. 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.

1 The current scope is defined by ADEME and the Smart Freight Centre. VELA measured its impact through an independent Life Cycle Assessment conducted by a third-party. The methodology used accounts for all emissions to provide a clear and comprehensive picture of climate impact. The study concluded for the whole LCA that VELA offers the lowest climate impact of any transport solution available on a comparable route (U.S.-Europe)

2 While under sail at sea, Vela operates propulsion with zero emissions. In port, the vessel complies with all local maritime regulations, requiring engine power using primarily electricity (from battery, solar and hydrogeneration) and marine diesel as a backup.

3 GDP (Good Distribution Practice): GDP compliant means that a product or process follows strict quality and safety standards during storage and transportation, especially in the pharmaceutical supply chain.

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Media Contacts

DHL Global Forwarding France : Isabelle Dupront – E-mail: isabelle.dupront@dhl.com

VELA – U.S. Kalamari Agency : Natacha Favry vela@kalamari.agency

VELA – France / Europe Ligne Bleue Agency : Stéphanie André stephanie@agencelignebleue.fr

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DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 389,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

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About VELA

VELA is a maritime shipping company that designs and operates a new generation of sail-powered cargo vessels, propelled 100% by wind, to offer shippers a fast, reliable, and deeply decarbonized international freight solution. By combining technology transfers from offshore ocean racing with high standards of logistics service, VELA offers an unprecedented alternative to conventional air and ocean freight. Its customers can reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by up to 99%, benefit from tight transit times and high standards of security, traceability, and product integrity, notably thanks to refrigerated holds dedicated to sensitive cargo. First deployed on the Europe–United States corridor, the VELA line will connect the two continents in less than 15 days, ahead of the opening of new routes. Through its model, VELA aims to establish a new benchmark in international transport, where performance and sustainability advance together, in service of its mission: to massively reduce the environmental and social impact of global shipping. Learn more: VELA-HOME.