In pharmaceutical shipping—where transport requirements are among the most stringent—VELA offers a cutting-edge solution that meets GDP (Good Distribution Practice) standards while combining logistical performance with strong environmental responsibility.
The Challenges of Pharmaceutical shipping
Pharmaceutical logistics is highly regulated. Companies must comply with GDP standards to ensure the quality, safety, and integrity of products throughout the entire distribution chain.
This framework covers key aspects of pharmaceutical logistics to ensure full compliance and optimal risk management.
Vela : A Reliable and High-Performance Pharma Shipping Solution
At VELA, we go beyond GDP compliance.
We’ve engineered a reliable, low-carbon logistics solution specifically designed for pharmaceutical and medical products.
With temperature-controlled transport, cold chain integrity, and minimized handling, we ensure security, efficiency, and consistency—all within a sustainable model.
Pharmaceutical shipping Under Maximum Protection
Natural Stability by Design
Unlike single-hull vessels, our trimaran sails flat, offering natural stability and reducing heel even in tough weather. That means greater safety for sensitive cargo.
Built to the Highest Maritime Standards
Our 100% wind-powered cargo trimaran is engineered to meet the strictest international shipping regulations. Certified by Bureau Veritas, it complies with all key IMO conventions (SOLAS, COLREG, MARPOL, STCW, ISM, ISPS), ensuring a high level of safety for crew, cargo, and navigation.
Customized Onboard Management With a Dedicated Crew
Each shipment receives tailored care, with strict storage protocols and secured compartments to maintain product integrity from loading to final delivery.
Our 8-person crew conducts regular inspections and can respond immediately if needed, providing maximum security at sea.
Real-Time Tracking, Total Transparency
In pharma logistics, precision is everything—and that starts with traceability.
VELA’s advanced monitoring technology enables real-time visibility at every stage of your shipment.
Every hold is equipped with real-time sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, and other critical transport conditions, allowing for risk anticipation and continuous quality control.
A Global First: A Wind-Powered Trimaran With Cold Chain Capabilities
Pharmaceutical and medical products are highly temperature-sensitive and require specialized handling.
The World Health Organization emphasizes the importance of cold chain integrity, stating:
Over 50% of global vaccine losses are due to failures in cold chain logistics.
VELA is fully aware of this issue. That’s why our “Ocean Plane” is the first wind-powered cargo ship equipped with advanced refrigeration systems made in France by our partner TR Équipement, a leader in industrial cooling and climate control.
Our trimaran includes:
- 5 temperature-controlled holds at 15–25°C
- 2 refrigerated holds at 2–8°C
Each hold is individually insulated and controlled, ensuring strict temperature regulation and optimal product preservation.
Capacity & Sustainability
At full capacity, our fleet can transport:
- 4,800 US pallets/year at 2–8°C
- Over 25,200 pallets/year at 15–25°C
And all powered by nearly 100% renewable energy—thanks to:
- 2 hydro-generators
- 240m² of solar panels
A Low-Carbon, High-Efficiency Pharmaceutical Shipping Model
VELA combines cutting-edge sustainability with pharma-grade service quality—meeting the industry’s CSR and ESG goals while maintaining precision logistics.
We believe logistics performance and environmental responsibility go hand-in-hand. That’s our mission.
The “Ocean Plane”: A True Air Freight Alternative
nspired by air freight standards—but with a massively lower carbon footprint—VELA is a true alternative:
- No containers
- Pallet-based transport for faster, direct shipping
With over 600 pallets per departure, we operate outside traditional port hubs and collaborate with agile ports and expert teams to ensure on-time Estimated Time of Arrival / Estimated Time of Departure delivery.
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Speed Serving Decarbonization
VELA isn’t just reliable—it’s fast.
On the Europe–USA route, our crossings can be up to twice as fast as traditional cargo ships, and up to four times faster on the return route (USA–Europe).
Speed = less time at sea, which means:
- Less energy required for cooling
- Better energy efficiency
- Lower environmental impact
Up to 600 EU pallets shipped to the U.S. in under 15 days
600 EU pallets delivered to Europe in under 10 days
(Including loading, transit, and unloading)
A Drastically Reduced Carbon Footprint
Based on use-phase emissions (in line with l’ADEME and Smart Freight Centre), VELA reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 96% compared to conventional container ships on the transatlantic route.
And our full Life Cycle Assessment, conducted by Carbone 4, confirms :
VELA’s climate impact is lower than any other known mode of transatlantic transport.
By choosing VELA, you reduce your GHG emissions significantly, while benefiting from fast, reliable, and pharma-compliant shipping.
What Our Partners Say
“Echosens is a medical tech company producing diagnostic devices for liver disease. These devices are shipped worldwide. The option to ship by sail immediately aligned with our CSR goals. Today, we use air freight. Partnering with VELA will help us drastically reduce our carbon footprint while supporting a company with a bold and impactful mission. Today it’s the U.S.—tomorrow, the world.”
Dominique Legros, Group CEO de Echosens
Why Choose the VELA Ocean Plane for Your Pharma Shipments?
- Full GDP Pharma compliance
- Real-time tracking & full transparency
- Certified cold chain & unique refrigeration setup
- Faster delivery than container shipping*
- Significant CO₂ reduction with sustainable logistics
With VELA, you choose precision, innovation, and responsibility for your pharmaceutical logistics.
*On selected maritime routes
Ready to Ship Pharma Smarter?
Let’s talk. Contact our team today and start transforming your supply chain with VELA.
FAQ
How do you ensure cold chain integrity during shipping?
Our temperature-controlled holds (2–8°C and 15–25°C), built to GDP Pharma standards, guarantee optimal storage conditions throughout the journey. Real-time monitoring ensures complete visibility into temperature and humidity levels at every stage.
How does your solution minimize handling and transloading risks?
VELA offers direct sailings between France and the U.S., avoiding intermediate hubs and platforms. Pallets are loaded directly into refrigerated holds, eliminating critical transition zones. We work with specialized ports outside major congestion points to maintain reliability and secure ETAs/ETDs.
How do you ensure cargo safety and integrity?
VELA combines multiple layers of protection:
Lean operations to minimize wait times and eliminate unnecessary intermediaries :
- Flat sailing = natural stability
- Built to merchant marine and IMO standards
- Secure ports (ISPS certified) and experienced pharma logistics partners
- Locked, secured, and 24/7 monitored cargo holds
- Onboard VELA crew 24/7 throughout the voyage