A New Phase Begins at Chantiers de l’Atlantique
A major development in France’s maritime sector has been recorded as the keel of the Orient Express Olympian was laid at the renowned Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire. This event symbolized the formal initiation of the yacht’s assembly phase, following the earlier cutting of the first steel plate at the beginning of 2025. The keel-laying marked the transition from preliminary fabrication to visible structural formation, emphasizing the significance of the project within the global travel and tourism industry.
A coin ceremony, rooted in longstanding naval tradition, was conducted to commemorate the beginning of this promising phase. Newly minted coins were placed upon the first steel block as a gesture intended to bestow good fortune upon the yacht during construction and throughout its future voyages. Through this symbolic act, the collaboration between Orient Express Yachts and the French shipyard was reinforced, highlighting their shared vision of excellence.
Precision Engineering Through Block Assembly
The placement of the initial hull block was executed using one of the shipyard’s impressive gantries, capable of lifting and positioning large structural segments with exacting precision. This first block represented one of seventeen primary units that will ultimately form the complete metal hull of the Orient Express Olympian. By initiating this methodical assembly process, the shipyard demonstrated the sophisticated engineering practices that have distinguished France as a global leader in maritime construction.
The block assembly approach ensures structural integrity, efficient workflow, and meticulous attention to detail. This technique also allows the shipyard to expertly manage the vessel’s complex design and advanced sailing technologies, creating a foundation that will support the yacht’s operational capabilities once launched.
Reinforcing a Strategic Maritime Partnership
Chantiers de l’Atlantique, which is simultaneously progressing on the Orient Express Corinthian, has emphasized that the continued advancement of the Olympian illustrates the strength of its partnership with Orient Express Yachts. The construction of both vessels reinforces a larger program aimed at expanding the possibilities of high-end sea travel. The shipyard noted that this collaboration contributes to ongoing innovation in naval architecture and maritime hospitality, enabling a refined blend of environmental responsibility and luxury tourism.
The Orient Express Olympian and the Orient Express Corinthian are set to become two of the world’s largest sailing yachts, and their development reflects an ambition to elevate the standards of maritime leisure in France and across international destinations. By aligning the capabilities of Chantiers de l’Atlantique with the visionary direction of the Accor Group, both organizations are contributing to the evolution of premium travel experiences.
Commitment to Sustainable Propulsion and Design
One of the defining features emphasized by the shipyard is the integration of the SolidSail system, an innovative propulsion technology that merges environmental awareness with efficient performance. The system incorporates three tiltable, self-supporting masts equipped with expansive sails covering 4,500 square meters. These components are fully automated from the bridge, embodying an advanced approach to ease of navigation.
Under favorable wind conditions, the yacht will be capable of operating solely under sail, contributing to the reduction of fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. When necessary, sail power can be complemented by engines running on LNG, further supporting the vessel’s environmental objectives. The synergy of these systems is expected to yield propulsion advantages and decrease reliance on conventional energy sources, aligning with global sustainability goals in travel and tourism.
Enhanced Navigation Through Dynamic Positioning
Among the yacht’s notable technical innovations is a dynamic positioning system designed to maintain its location without deploying an anchor. This capability enhances voyage flexibility, supports responsible marine environmental practices, and reduces potential seabed disturbances in ecologically sensitive areas. The technology is particularly beneficial for operations in bays, secluded coves, and protected marine zones, aligning with responsible tourism principles.
Additionally, routing methods derived from offshore racing will be employed to optimize wind utilization throughout each journey. Such techniques ensure that the yacht will maximize the performance of its SolidSail system, further minimizing its environmental impact. As a result, each route undertaken by the vessel will be carefully calculated to promote both efficiency and ecological stewardship.
Anticipated Launch and Future Journeys
The shipyard has confirmed that the Orient Express Corinthian, the sister vessel to the Olympian, is scheduled for sea trials in December and is expected to debut in the Mediterranean in May 2026. This timeline underscores steady progress within the broader Orient Express Yachts initiative. The advancement of both vessels highlights ongoing efforts to enrich luxury tourism offerings while integrating innovative engineering and environmentally conscious maritime solutions.
With the development of the Orient Express Olympian well underway, France continues to solidify its reputation as a center for excellence in shipbuilding. Upon completion, the yacht is anticipated to deliver transformative travel experiences, combining sustainability, comfort, and refined design in a manner that aligns with the evolving expectations of the international tourism community.
Tags: France Orient Express Olympian luxury tourism Orient Express Yachts, Accor Group Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard
