Takeda (NYSE: TAK) and VELA Transport today announced their business partnership, with Takeda set to become the first biopharmaceutical company to transport its products between Europe and the U.S. using VELA’s first-of-its-kind sailing cargo trimaran.
VELA designed and will operate a fleet of new generation sailing cargo vessels, powered 100 percent by wind when at sea. Purpose-built to handle pharmaceutical products, VELA will offer reliable, secure and ultra-low-emission sea freight shipping. The maiden voyage is planned for late 2026.
VELA’s new wind-powered sea freight will offer a climate-conscious alternative to other transportation for the pharmaceutical industry – cutting use-related greenhouse gas emissions by up to 99 percent compared to air freight and up to 90 percent compared to container ships. The remaining emissions primarily come from the minimal engine use for maneuvering into harbors.
“The trimaran,” read this morning’s news release, “will be equipped with CoolSafe by VELA, a Good Distribution Practice compliant refrigeration system that is temperature-controlled and powered by renewable energy generated on board. This innovation in maritime transport ensures cold-chain integrity and premium logistics performance required to maintain product safety and quality. This new distribution solution aims to demonstrate that operational excellence and environmental sustainability can go hand in hand.”
TAK shares eked up six cents to $15.12.
