Orient Express Silence: The World’s Largest Sailing Ship

The Orient Express legend has continued 140 years after the introduction of its first opulent trains, with the debut of Orient Express Silence, the world’s largest sailing ship. The greatest project that has ever been undertaken in the history of the sea is this transformation. This exceptional sailing boat of the future with stunning interiors will set sail in 2026 as a result of a special relationship between Chantiers de l’Atlantique, a major shipbuilding enterprise globally, and Accor, a global leader in the hospitality industry.

“With Orient Express Silenseas, we are beginning a new chapter in our history, taking the experience and excellence of luxury travel and transposing it onto the world’s most beautiful seas. This exceptional sailing yacht, with roots in Orient Express’ history, will offer unparalleled service and refined design spaces, reminiscent of the golden age of mythical cruises. Innovation is at the heart of this ultra-modern ship that will revolutionise the maritime world with new technology to meet today’s sustainability challenges. It is a boat designed to make dreams a reality, a showcase for the best of French savoir-faire.”

- Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO, Accor.

“With a signed letter of intent to order two ships, Chantiers de l’Atlantique is proud to herald a new era in the shipbuilding industry with Silenseas. This idea, which was born in our design offices in 2018, is the best example of our skills in naval architecture, building complex hulls, and designing luxurious spaces. In addition, the installation of three SolidSail rigs, a revolutionary 1,500-square-metre unit wind propulsion system, for which we have developed and tested a first prototype, will contribute significantly to the propulsion of the ship. Combined with a hybrid propulsion system running on liquefied natural gas (LNG), Silenseas will thus become the ship of reference in terms of environmentally-friendly operation and design. “ - Laurent Castaing, Managing Director, Chantiers de l’Atlantique.

© Maxime; Martin Darzacq for Orient Express, Accor - Yacht Evening

Georges Nagelmackers embarked on a voyage of exploration to the United States in 1867 by boarding the transatlantic ships that connected Europe and America. The designer of the Orient Express trains was captivated by the magnificence of these massive ships and explored the opulent traveller suites with their lavish and extravagant décor and remarkable marquetry. He observed the social scene in the eateries as well as the distinctive atmosphere in the lounges, libraries, and entertainment establishments. The Orient Express, a now-famous train, was introduced in 1883 as a result of his maritime travel experiences. The French Riviera’s Golden Age served as inspiration for Orient Express Silenseas, which will harken back to that illustrious time when writers, artists, painters, princesses, and movie stars spent time between Monte-Carlo, Saint-Tropez, Cap d’Antibes, Cannes, and its fabled Croisette and discovered a refinement tinged with exquisite insouciance and joie de vivre, inviting them to daring escape.

A majestic 1,415 square metre Presidential Suite with a 530 square metre private patio will be included in the Orient Express Silenseas, a 220-meter-long maritime treasure with a tonnage of 22,300 UMS. It will also include two swimming pools, including a lap pool, two restaurants, and a speakeasy bar. The one-of-a-kind cruise ship will honour the Art of Travel in the style of the Orient Express: the pinnacle of opulence, unsurpassed comfort, and fantasies.

The Amphitheatre-Cabaret at the Orient Express Silenseas will host amazing performances as a tribute to artists and culture, and a private recording studio will give life to the most exquisite tunes. This one-of-a-kind travel experience, which is led by the winds and includes spa treatments, meditation sessions, and tours that stop time to look for cultural treasures, lets guests completely disconnect from the real world and stop time.

Orient Express Silenseas will race with a cutting-edge technological design known as “SolidSail,” utilising the expertise of these experienced ocean racers. Three rigid sails with a surface area of 1,500 metres each will be hoisted on a balestron rig, with three tilting masts reaching more than 100 metres high, and will be able to provide up to 100% of the propulsion in favourable weather conditions. This hybrid propulsion system will combine wind energy with a cutting-edge engine powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), and once the technology is certified for ocean passenger ships, it intends to use green hydrogen, ushering in a new, more eco-friendly vision of sea travel.

A true sailing boat of the future that combines the best French abilities is the Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s most recent achievement. The interior plan and decor will be created by renowned architect Maxime d’Angeac, and the exterior architecture will be done by Nantes-based design firm Stirling Design International. Hetland Maritime also assisted Accor with project conception as well as ongoing negotiations with Chantiers de l’Atlantique. Up to 70–80% of the project’s total funding will come from commercial banks, with the remaining funds coming from a group of equity partners in whom Accor will own a modest stake.