Keel laid for 2nd ultra-luxury Orient Express sailing yacht at Saint-Nazaire

Chantiers de l’Atlantique has laid the keel for Orient Express Olympian, the second newbuild in the Orient Express Sailing Yacht series and sister ship to Orient Express Corinthian.

The construction milestone took place at the shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, just 10 months after steel cutting began in January. The ship is scheduled for delivery in spring 2027, one year after Orient Express Corinthian debuts.

The ceremony involved the placement of the first of 17 structural blocks in the dry dock, marking the official start of hull assembly.

The block follows the same construction sequence undertaken for Corinthian, whose 606-tonne first section was lowered into position under maritime tradition, accompanied by a coin-placing ritual symbolising good fortune for the vessel and its future sailings.

Spanning 220 metres, the Orient Express Sailing Yachts will be among the world’s largest sailing passenger vessels and the first cruise ships to operate using SolidSail wind-assist technology developed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique.

The system relies on three tilting masts carrying 4,500 square metres of rigid sails, designed to significantly reduce fuel consumption by enabling the ships to operate on wind power alone in optimal conditions or in hybrid mode supported by LNG propulsion.

Orient Express Corinthian is scheduled for sea trials in December, ahead of her launch and inaugural Mediterranean season in May.

During forthcoming test voyages, shipbuilders will evaluate the performance of the SolidSail system, which is expected to allow the vessel to reach speeds of up to 17 knots under sail alone, potentially exceeding conventional engine cruising speeds. The yacht will later enter outfitting, where interior spaces will be completed ahead of delivery.

The vessels’ design concept extends beyond propulsion. The brand has highlighted the use of sustainability-focused technologies, including AI marine mammal detection systems, intended to reduce collision risk and noise pollution, and dynamic positioning, enabling the ships to hold position without anchoring to protect fragile seabeds.

The itineraries themselves are being routed to take advantage of wind conditions, developed in consultation with experts from competitive sailing.

The new duo represents the latest evolution of the Orient Express brand, which has defined high-end travel since its first train departed in 1883.

Known for its association with craftsmanship, cultural discovery and classic European luxury, the brand is now expanding from trains into hotels and sailing yachts as part of a long-term vision under hotel group Accor.

Recent developments include La Dolce Vita Orient Express trains in Italy and the opening of Orient Express La Minerva in Rome, along with a second hotel in Venice.

With Orient Express Corinthian nearing launch and Orient Express Olympian now structurally underway, the Orient Express Sailing Yachts project is moving into its next phase, blending maritime innovation with the brand’s storied heritage to create a new style of ultra-luxury cruising.