"Orient Express Corinthian": World's Largest Sailing Cruise Ship Reaches Major Construction Milestone

Immediately preceding the undocking operation, the dry dock in which the modern sailing yacht was constructed underwent its initial flooding. This process signified the vessel's transition from structural fabrication to the system integration and final outfitting phases, simultaneously marking its official debut on the water. The "OE Corinthian" is composed of 14 large steel sections, which were assembled within the dry dock over a period of four and a half months. Subsequently, the ship was moved to an outfitting pier to facilitate further work.

The "OE Corinthian" is the result of an ambitious partnership between Orient Express and Chantiers de l'Atlantique. It is poised to redefine standards in the luxury cruise segment, featuring only 54 suites, ranging in size from 45 to 241 square meters. Each suite is equipped with either expansive panoramic windows or a private terrace. The commissioning of the world's largest sailing cruise ship is scheduled for June 2026. Its maiden voyage will initially navigate the Mediterranean Sea and the Adriatic, before crossing the Atlantic to cruise the Caribbean. A sister ship, the "Orient Express Olympian," is anticipated to commence its inaugural journey in the summer of 2027.

Measuring 210 meters in length and featuring three impressive masts that support a total sail area of 1,500 square meters, the "OE Corinthian" is designed for efficiency and environmental sustainability. Its advanced propulsion system combines innovative SolidSail technology with liquefied natural gas (LNG), enabling low-emission travel. An AI-powered system for detecting floating objects aims to minimize the risk of collision with marine mammals. Furthermore, dynamic positioning technology eliminates the need for conventional anchoring, thereby safeguarding the seabed. The entire yacht design has been consistently oriented towards ocean preservation.

Orient Express Sailing Yachts is a new entrant in the cruise market, affiliated with the globally operating hotel group Accor. The modern sailing yachts OE Corinthian (2026) and OE Olympian (2027) are being constructed by Chantiers de l'Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire. Their development draws upon extensive experience from offshore racing and utilizes the novel "SolidSail" technology. This technology involves three rigid sails, each measuring 1,500 square meters, mounted on three inclinable masts exceeding 100 meters in height. Under suitable weather conditions, this system can provide up to 100% propulsion.