The sailing cruise vessel Orient Express Corinthian is being developed as one of the largest ships of its type, with a length of approximately 220 meters (721 feet) and a gross tonnage exceeding 25,000. Designed for a limited passenger complement, the vessel will accommodate 110 guests across 54 suites, reflecting an operational model focused on low-density occupancy.
Constructed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, the vessel incorporates a hybrid propulsion arrangement combining wind power with liquefied natural gas engines. A central feature of the design is the Solid Sail system, a rigid sail technology developed by the shipbuilder, which is intended to maximize wind propulsion while reducing reliance on conventional fuel sources.
The propulsion system is arranged across three carbon-fiber masts rising to approximately 100 meters above the waterline. Each mast supports rigid sail panels of about 1,500 square meters, providing a total sail area of nearly 4,500 square meters. These sails are mounted on rotating and tilting rigs, enabling full 360-degree adjustment and allowing the vessel to optimize its position relative to prevailing wind conditions.
The design permits the masts to incline significantly, facilitating passage beneath bridges or other overhead obstructions while maintaining operational flexibility. This arrangement also contributes to improved aerodynamic efficiency and maneuverability under sail.
Sea trials and system testing have demonstrated the vessel’s capability to operate under sail propulsion alone, with projected service speeds of up to approximately 17 knots (around 20 miles per hour) when conditions are favorable. The hybrid system allows the ship to transition seamlessly between wind-assisted and engine-driven modes depending on environmental conditions.
Development of the Solid Sail concept extends over more than a decade, during which Chantiers de l’Atlantique conducted extensive testing, including scale-model trials and full-scale demonstrator installations at its shipyard in Saint-Nazaire. These trials were used to evaluate aerodynamic performance, structural behavior and sail control systems prior to integration into a full-size passenger vessel.
The resulting design represents a combination of large-scale cruise ship construction and advanced sail propulsion technology, positioning Orient Express Corinthian as a notable example of wind-assisted maritime transport within the contemporary cruise sector.