Compagnie Maritime Nantaise, part of Sogestran Group, has ordered a specialised RoRo vessel from Guangzhou Shipyard International. The contract was signed on 21 August 2026, with entry into service planned by 2030.
Designed by Knud E. Hansen and VPLP Design, the vessel will transport launch vehicles, satellites and other sensitive cargo for Europe’s space industry. It will feature a main RoRo deck, a climate-controlled compartment and a flexible open deck.
The propulsion system will combine conventional machinery with three automated OceanWings rigid sails. The vessel will also feature an optimised hull, advanced weather routing and biofuel compatibility.
It will notably transport Avio’s Vega-C launch vehicles to the Guiana Space Centre and may also carry oversized Ariane 6 components.
