Austal announced that its subsidiary, Austal Australasia, has secured a contract to design and construct a 66.8-metre wind-powered aluminium cargo trimaran for Vela Transport of Bayonne, France, according to Australian Manufacturing.
While the exact purchase price remains confidential, it is estimated to be between A$40–$45 million, the company said in an ASX announcement.
The vessel, scheduled for delivery in mid-2026, will be built by Austal Philippines in Balamban, Cebu.
The innovative high-value cargo vessel, based on a concept by VPLP of Paris and equipped with a sailing system by MerConcept, is set to revolutionise maritime transport with its eco-friendly design.
Since 2007, Austal has designed and constructed 25 large trimarans for commercial and defence purposes worldwide.