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Orient Express Silenseas: The World's Largest Sailing Ship

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After 140 years since the launch of the first luxury trains, the legend of the Orient Express continues with the unveiling of plans for the world's largest sailing ship - the Orient Express Silenseas. This revolution in maritime history and ambitious endeavor is the result of a French partnership between the hotel corporation Accor and Chantiers de l'Atlantique, a leading shipbuilding company worldwide. This extraordinary future sailing yacht with spectacular interiors will set sail on the open seas in 2026.

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"With Orient Express Silenseas, we are embarking on a new chapter in our history, bringing the experience and excellence of luxury travel to the world's most beautiful seas. This unique sailing yacht, rooted in the history of the Orient Express, will offer unparalleled service and refined design spaces reminiscent of the golden age of mythical voyages." - said Sebastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Accor.

"With the signed letter of intent to order two ships, Chantiers de l'Atlantique proudly announces a new era in the shipbuilding industry with Silenseas. This concept, born in our design offices in 2018, is the quintessence of our expertise in ship architecture, sophisticated hull construction, and luxury space design." - Laurent Castaing, CEO of Chantiers de l'Atlantique.

In 1867, Georges Nagelmackers boarded transatlantic ships connecting Europe with America and embarked on an exploratory journey to the United States. Fascinated by the grandeur of these immense vessels, the creator of the Orient Express explored the luxurious passenger suites with their rich and sumptuous decor adorned with unique marquetry. He experienced the social scene in restaurants and the unique atmosphere of bars, libraries, and entertainment venues. This maritime travel experience later inspired the launch of his legendary train: the Orient Express in 1883.

Inspired by the Golden Age of the French Riviera, Orient Express Silenseas will echo a magnificent era when writers, artists, painters, princesses, and movie stars spent time between Monte-Carlo, the beaches of Saint-Tropez, Cap d'Antibes, Cannes, and the famous Croisette, discovering sophistication tinged with exquisite carefree joy and zest for life, inviting them to extreme escapades.

The oceanic treasure, measuring 220 meters in length and with a tonnage of 22,300 UMS, Orient Express Silenseas will feature 54 apartments averaging 70 square meters, including the monumental Presidential Suite measuring 1415 square meters with a private terrace, two pools including a sports pool, two restaurants, and a bar. The exceptional cruise ship will celebrate the Art of Travel à la Orient Express: the quintessence of luxury, absolute comfort, and dreams.

In homage to artists and culture, Orient Express Silenseas will invite guests to amazing shows in its amphitheater, and a private recording studio will provide voice to the most beautiful melodies. This unique journey, led by the winds, will include spa treatments, meditation sessions, and exploration of interludes to discover cultural treasures, allowing guests to completely disconnect from reality and stop time.

Utilizing the expertise of these ocean racing experts, Orient Express Silenseas will sail with revolutionary technological construction known as "SolidSail": three rigid sails with an area of 1500 square meters each will be raised on a balestron rig with three tilting masts reaching over 100 meters in height, capable of providing up to 100% propulsion in suitable weather conditions. This hybrid propulsion formula will combine wind power with the most advanced liquefied natural gas (LNG) engine and plans to use eco-friendly hydrogen once the technology is approved for ocean-going passenger ships, introducing a new, more environmentally friendly vision of sea travel.

The latest achievement of Chantiers de l'Atlantique is a true sailing yacht of the future, combining the best French talents. Renowned architect Maxime d'Angeac will design the interior layout and decor, and the architectural firm Stirling Design International from Nantes will handle the exterior architecture. Hetland Maritime also assisted Accor in creating the project and ongoing discussions with Chantiers de l'Atlantique. The entire project will be financed 70-80% by commercial banks, with Accor and the majority capital partner providing the remaining portion.


Source: Accor

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