French aerospace player ArianeGroup is hoping to sign a contract for a new sail-powered ro-ro in March.
The ship will carry components for the Ariane 6 rocket from Europe to the launch pad in French Guiana.
French designer VPLP said the 121-metre ship will use four of its own Oceanwings sails to reduce emissions.
Its founder, VPLP partner Marc Van Peteghem, told TradeWinds: "The bid package has been sent to a number of yards. The final yard contract should be signed in March."
ArianeGroup awarded the tender to operate the unit to Alizes, a joint venture between offshore services specialist Jifmar and Zephyr & Boree, a start-up specialising in carbon-free transport.
The vessel will be named Canopee.
It has a bridge in the bow and an open deck aft with high sides to protect the cargo.
The 30-metre-high sails provide a total surface area of 1,452 square metres.
Emissions reduced 30%
Dubbed "wingsails", they assist the main propulsion system to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by an average of 30%.
They are automated and reefable, VPLP said.
Canopee also features optimised aero-hydrodynamics, dual-fuel engines running on LNG and diesel, and solar panels.
VPLP was founded in 1983 by Marc Van Peteghem and Vincent Lauriot-Prevost. It has previously designed cruise vessels and yachts.
