Wed 21 Jan 2026, 06:20 GMT | Updated: Wed 21 Jan 2026, 07:47 GMT | Evangelia Fragouli

Compagnie Maritime Nantaise wins Bpifrance backing for space logistics vessel decarbonisation project


French shipowner to develop hybrid propulsion system combining rigid wings, thermal engines, and digital twin.


Compagnie Maritime Nantaise and Bpifrance logo side by side.
La Compagnie Maritime Nantaise's Logspatial project will integrate wind propulsion technology with intelligent routing systems to reduce energy consumption on vessels supporting the space industry. Image credit: Compagnie Maritime Nantaise; Bpifrance

La Compagnie Maritime Nantaise has been selected as one of seven recipients of a French maritime decarbonisation funding programme for its Logspatial project, which aims to reduce energy use on vessels supporting space logistics.

The project will receive backing from an endowment fund financed by CMA CGM Group and administered by Bpifrance. The funding scheme, launched in April 2024, is intended to accelerate decarbonisation across the French maritime fleet while supporting the development of technologies ready for commercial deployment.

According to the company, the Logspatial project focuses on improving onboard energy distribution for propulsion and auxiliary systems by coordinating rigid-wing propulsion, thermal engines, intelligent voyage routing, and a digital twin. The objective is to optimise energy use under varying operating conditions.

La Compagnie Maritime Nantaise will act as the project owner and coordinator, with support from its parent company, Sogestran Group. Project partners include naval architects Knud E Hansen and VPLP, wind propulsion specialist OceanWings, diesel engine manufacturer Wärtsilä Marine, and D-Ice Engineering, which will develop the hybrid automation system, digital twin and routing tools.

The steering committee selected the seven winning projects in December 2025.

La Compagnie Maritime Nantaise, a subsidiary of Sogestran Group, operates vessels supporting the space industry and said it is pursuing fleet renewal initiatives focused on vessel design, fuel consumption and operational efficiency.



Photograph of Oğuz Yazici, Country Manager at Oilmar DMCC. Oilmar appoints Turkey country manager as part of regional expansion  

Dubai-based bunker and cargo trader promotes from within to lead Turkish operations.

Photograph of the GNV Aurora ferry's first LNG bunkering in Genoa, in March 2026, with delivery tanker Green Zeebrugge alongside. GNV Aurora completes first LNG bunkering in Genoa  

GNV's second LNG-powered ferry receives fuel in Italian port, with a shore power trial scheduled.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) logo. MOL acquires 25% stake in V.Ships France, adds LNG carriers to managed fleet  

Japanese shipping company takes equity position in ship manager’s French subsidiary.

Equinor logo. Equinor signs two-year biomethanol supply deal with Wallenius Wilhelmsen  

Norwegian energy company to supply alternative fuel to shipping and vehicle logistics firm.

Phograph of Shanghai skyline with Oriental Pearl Tower in centre. Sing Fuels seeks bunker trader for new Shanghai base  

Candidates with two to four years’ industry experience and an established client portfolio preferred.

Map of Strait of Hermuz. Three vessels struck by projectiles in Gulf waters  

UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre reports attacks on ships near Dubai and the Strait of Hormuz.

Photograph of the Aframax tanker Eagle Brasilia at sea. AET completes first bio-LNG trial on dual-fuel tanker  

Tanker operator tests renewable fuel ahead of FuelEU Maritime compliance requirements

Tangier Maersk vessel. Maersk introduces emergency bunker surcharge amid Middle East fuel crisis  

Shipping line cites Strait of Hormuz disruptions affecting 20% of global fuel supply.

World map with '15' overlaid text. ElbOil celebrates 15 years since founding  

Hamburg-based trader and broker has expanded its operation to various international offices since inception.

Cosco Shipping vessel with bunker tanker alongside. Hong Kong completes first green methanol SIMOPS bunkering operation  

Hong Kong Port Alliance delivers 200 tonnes of green methanol to dual-fuel container vessel.