The legend of the Orient Express sails into the 21st century with the Corinthian, a next-generation sailing yacht developed with the participation of CT Engineering. Starting in 2026, it will combine excellence, innovation, and sustainability—paving the way for its twin vessel, the Olympian, set to debut in 2027.
When one evokes the Orient Express, images of trains crossing Europe in luxury, sophistication, and mystery immediately come to mind. The legacy of the legendary train that once connected Paris with exotic Constantinople now takes to the seas. The brand reinterprets its history through two extraordinary sailing yachts—the Corinthian and the Olympian—commissioned by Silenseas, with CT Engineering contributing to their construction.
The Corinthian, registered under the French flag, is expected to set sail in the summer of 2026, followed a year later by its twin, the Olympian, redefining the concept of sustainable luxury. Measuring 220 meters in length and 22,300 UMS in tonnage, the Corinthian will unfurl 4,500 m² of sails to harness the wind and reach speeds of up to 17 knots. Its propulsion system combines innovation and sustainability: it is the first sailing yacht to integrate the revolutionary SolidSail system—a set of lightweight yet robust booms that optimize sail aerodynamics and ease of handling. Additionally, it features a hybrid propulsion system powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), enabling near-zero-emission navigation and exceptional performance without compromising elegance or passenger comfort.
The yacht’s interior pays tribute to the Golden Age of the French Riviera—discreet glamour, decorative arts, and intuitive hospitality. It will feature 54 staterooms, including a presidential suite, as well as two swimming pools, a private recording studio, a gym, a beauty salon, 12 bars and restaurants, a 1930s-inspired speakeasy, and a 115-seat cabaret with a Parisian art déco flair. Guests will enjoy spa treatments, meditation sessions, and stopovers in ports that allow exploration of the Mediterranean’s treasures in summer—such as Portofino, Capri, and Saint-Tropez—and the Caribbean in winter.
From our headquarters in Saint-Nazaire, CT Engineering has contributed to this project in collaboration with CNI, focusing on the industrialization and manufacturing of the SolidSail boom system. Together with PMO, we also carried out calculations, design, and industrialization of the interior and exterior staircases, ensuring safety, ergonomics, and assembly efficiency. Our technical scope includes the 3D model of the boom, manufacturing and assembly drawings, and cutting files, ensuring traceability and repeatability throughout the production chain.
In direct collaboration with Chantiers de l’Atlantique, our CT Ferrol team worked within the Contrôle Maquette group, responsible for quality control of the ship’s 3D model (covering piping, ventilation, and electrical systems). The Ferrol team focused on verifying the model in accordance with the quality surveillance plan before each section reached its construction milestone. This process allowed for early detection of potential issues and provided opportunities for improvement and optimization.
Our team was also part of the Technical Quality Management division, applying the same methodologies and excellence standards used in other vessels under construction during this period, such as the MSC World Asia, MSC World America, and Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas.
The Technical Quality Management methodology applied to the Corinthian has since been transferred to other ongoing programs—including the MSC World Asia, MSC World America, and Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas—consolidating a framework of excellence that combines digital precision, advanced manufacturing, and continuous improvement.
For CT Engineering, this project embodies the convergence of iconic design, responsible engineering, and reliable operation—solutions that minimize environmental impact, maximize safety, and elevate the passenger experience to standards worthy of fine watchmaking.
