Keel-Laying Ceremony Marks the Start of Construction for the Orient Express Corinthian Cruise Ship at STX France

On January 31, 2025, a significant event took place at STX France in Saint-Nazaire, where Orient Express and the shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique held a dual ceremony marking crucial milestones for their new sailing yacht projects. The ceremonies included the keel-laying of the Orient Express Corinthian and the steel-cutting for its sister ship, the Orient Express Olympian.

During the keel-laying ceremony, a 606-ton hull block was lowered into the drydock. In a time-honored maritime tradition, executives from both companies placed newly minted coins on the steel block, wishing for good fortune for the vessel throughout its construction and future voyages.

Once completed, the OE Corinthian will stand as the world’s largest sailing yacht, stretching 220 meters long. It will feature an impressive sail area of 4,500 m² across three tilting masts that will rise 100 meters above the sea. The yacht will accommodate 54 luxurious suites, varying in size from 45 to 230 m² (484 to 2,476 ft²), all equipped with panoramic bay windows to enhance the captivating sea views.

Following the keel-laying, the steel-cutting for the Orient Express Olympian commenced, initiating its construction phase. This vessel will share design similarities with the Corinthian, focusing on luxury and cutting-edge engineering.

These ceremonies highlight the collaborative efforts between Orient Express and Chantiers de l’Atlantique to push forward the luxury sailing segment. The Orient Express Corinthian is scheduled to make its maiden voyage in June 2026, with planned itineraries spanning the Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Caribbean seas.

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