Compagnie Maritime Nantaise (MN), a French shipping company and subsidiary of the Sogestran Group, has announced the construction of a new hybrid-powered roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) vessel designed specifically for the maritime transportation of space industry cargoes, with delivery expected by 2030.

The shipbuilding contract was signed on 21 August with Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI), a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), following what MN described as an extensive process of technical evaluations, site visits and contractual negotiations. GSI is known for the construction of ro-ro and ro-pax vessels.

The new ship has been designed to carry launch vehicles, satellites, related equipment and other sensitive industrial cargoes. It will feature a large main ro-ro deck, a dedicated compartment for space-related cargoes with controlled environmental conditions, and a flexible open deck.

The project follows a strategic partnership announced in June 2026 between MN and Italian launch vehicle manufacturer Avio, building on more than 15 years of collaboration. According to MN, the vessel will support the delivery of Avio’s Vega-C launch vehicles between Europe and the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana, as well as the transportation of satellites and oversized components for the Ariane 6 programme.

Wind-assisted propulsion

The vessel’s propulsion system will combine conventional mechanical propulsion with three automated OceanWings rigid sails, with MN noting that the wind-assistance technology was selected for its performance, ease of integration, industrial maturity and suitability for the vessel’s operational profile.

Additional measures to reduce the vessel’s environmental footprint will include an efficient mechanical propulsion system, optimised hull design, advanced weather routing, system automation and compatibility with biofuels.

The vessel has been designed by Knud E. Hansen and VPLP Design, with ship brokerage services provided by BRS.

Marc-Antoine Girardet, President of the Maritime Division of Sogestran Group, said: “This new vessel marks another milestone in the development of our activities serving the European space industry. It has been designed to meet our customers’ growing requirements in terms of safety, reliability and logistical flexibility.

“This contract is the result of the cross-functional and collective efforts carried out over several years within Sogestran Group, Compagnie Maritime Nantaise and Avio. I would like to warmly thank all the people involved for their contribution to this achievement.”

MN, based in Nantes, France, currently operates a fleet of four ro-ro vessels and one research vessel, as well as six passenger launches serving military personnel within Brest harbour. Its parent company, Sogestran Group, reported revenue of €370m in 2025 and employs more than 1,200 people across France and Europe.