Compagnie Maritime Nantaise Launches Construction of a New Vessel Dedicated to Space Logistics

Compagnie Maritime Nantaise (MN), a subsidiary of the Sogestran Group and a certified Green Marine Europe participant, has announced the construction of a new roll-on/roll-off vessel combining mechanical propulsion with wind-assisted propulsion. Designed in particular to transport cargo for the European space sector, the vessel is expected to enter service by 2030.

Combining Several Solutions to Reduce Environmental Impact

The future vessel will be equipped with three automated OceanWings rigid sails, designed to reduce reliance on mechanical propulsion when sailing conditions allow.

This wind-assisted propulsion will be part of a broader approach to reducing the vessel’s environmental footprint. Compagnie Maritime Nantaise also plans to optimise mechanical propulsion and hull design, while using advanced weather routing and automated systems. The vessel will also be designed to be compatible with biofuels.

This combination of solutions illustrates one of the key challenges of the maritime transport transition: using several complementary levers - vessel design, energy efficiency, operational optimisation and diversification of energy sources - to progressively reduce emissions.

Supporting European Space Logistics

The vessel has been developed to meet the specific requirements involved in transporting space launchers, satellites and other sensitive industrial equipment.

In particular, it will support the increasing frequency of Vega-C launcher deliveries between Europe and the Guiana Space Centre, as part of the long-term partnership between Avio and Compagnie Maritime Nantaise. It will also be able to transport satellites and certain Ariane 6 components.

The vessel will feature a large main roll-on/roll-off deck, an area with controlled environmental conditions for space-related cargo, and a flexible external deck.

The construction contract was signed in August 2026 with Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI). The vessel’s design also involves Knud E. Hansen and VPLP Design.

Through this project, Compagnie Maritime Nantaise is continuing to renew and develop its industrial assets by integrating, from the design stage, several technologies aimed at improving their environmental performance.