French shipowner LD Armateurs launched Spirit of Mobile on 6 June at Wuchang Shipyard, part of the CSSC Group in China, marking the second vessel in a trio of low-emission roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) ships being built for charter to European aerospace manufacturer Airbus.

The vessel is the sister ship of Spirit of Toulouse, the first in the series, and incorporates a range of technologies aimed at reducing its environmental footprint. According to LD Armateurs, each vessel in the new fleet is expected to deliver a 70% decrease in CO₂ emissions on a yearly basis compared with the previous generation of ships serving the Airbus charter.

Spirit of Mobile will be powered by six 35-metre Norsepower rotor sails and dual-fuel engines capable of operating on e-methanol, biomethanol, or marine gas oil. Additional features include high-efficiency propellers and shafts manufactured from recycled steel, very low-friction antifouling coatings, a smart power management system, and a heat recovery system.

The vessel will also be equipped with advanced routing software designed to optimise its route by maximising wind propulsion while minimising drag from adverse ocean conditions. This is complemented by an AI-powered control solution that is designed to allow real-time adaptation to weather and sea conditions and deliver vessel-specific aerodynamic optimisation.

Following the launch, LD Armateurs said its on-site teams would proceed with testing and commissioning phases ahead of the vessel entering service.

Meanwhile, Spirit of Toulouse — the first vessel in the series — is said to be nearing the fitting of its rotor sails.