The world’s largest sailing ship, the Orient Express Silenseas, measuring 220 meters in length and powered by a liquefied gas propulsion system, is set to launch in 2026.
Design of the Orient Express Silenseas sailing ship, 220m long. (Image: Orient Express).
The passenger ship developer Orient Express introduced the world’s largest sailing ship, the Orient Express Silenseas, on January 12, nearly 40 years after launching its first luxury vessel. In collaboration with the Accor hotel group and the world-renowned shipbuilding company Chantiers de l’Atlantique, the Orient Express Silenseas is expected to set sail in 2026.
According to the company’s description, the ship will be 220 meters long and feature 22,300 unmanned machine rooms (UMS) and 54 luxury cabins averaging 70 square meters. It will also include a presidential suite of 1,415 square meters, two swimming pools, two restaurants, and a bar.
Laurent Castaing, managing director of Chantiers de l’Atlantique, stated that the ship will usher in a new era in the shipbuilding industry. The installation of three SolidSail masts, with a wind propulsion system covering 1,500 square meters, will significantly contribute to the ship’s propulsion. Combined with a hybrid propulsion system powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the Silenseas is designed to be environmentally friendly in both design and operation. The SolidSail masts are constructed from durable composite materials, while the Aeol Drive mast features a frame that can rotate 360 degrees.
The Orient Express Silenseas draws inspiration from the 1867 sea voyage of the Orient Express founder, Georges Nagelmackers, who took a ship to cross the Atlantic from Europe to America. This journey ultimately led to the establishment of the Orient Express in 1883, catering to the demand for luxury travel on land.
“The sailing model will offer unprecedented service and design space, reminiscent of the golden age of travel. At the center of this ultra-modern ship is creativity, promising to revolutionize the maritime industry through new technologies to address sustainability challenges,” shared Sébastien Bazin, chairman and CEO of Accor.
