Dutch shipyard KM Yachtbuilders has announced that it has signed a construction contract with American maritime robotics company Clippership for the build of its first zero-emission, autonomous cargo vessel. The 24-metre new build will be constructed to RINA class and has a scheduled launch date of late 2026.
Dutch design studio Dykstra Naval Architects is behind the naval architecture of the vessel, chosen for their extensive experience with innovative sailing yachts, including Maltese Falcon, Black Pearl and Sea Eagle. Meanwhile, Glosten, the Seattle-based naval architecture firm, has completed the vessel’s structural engineering.
The 24-metre is characterised by twin, foldable rigid wings for primary wind propulsion and has been designed for open-ocean autonomy. Clippership's in-house team is responsible for the autonomy software and wind-propulsion systems, which have been created to provide an integrated, optimised solution for safety, efficiency and reliability on blue-water routes.
“Bringing together Dykstra Naval Architect’s expertise in large sailing vessels, Glosten’s engineering capability, and our in-house autonomy and rigid-wing technology gives the 24-metre class a powerful foundation," said a spokesperson for Clippership. "Partnering with KM Yachtbuilders places our design in the hands of a shipyard known for building safe and innovative aluminum vessels, and RINA’s design approval ensures full alignment with applicable international regulations."
The build will have a cargo capacity of up to 75 euro-pallets within a climate-controlled hold. Once delivered, it will serve commercial operations on transatlantic, Caribbean and South American pilot routes under a Maltese flag.