In a groundbreaking step toward sustainable shipping, NEOLINE’s innovative sail-powered cargo ship, Neoliner Origin, has successfully completed its first commercial loading operation.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for the global maritime industry, showcasing the potential of wind propulsion as a viable alternative to conventional fuel-powered transport.
A Successful First Voyage and Commercial Operation
The Neoliner Origin, built at the RMK Marine shipyard in Turkey, made its maiden commercial stop in Bastia while en route to its home port in Saint-Nazaire, France.
During this voyage, the vessel loaded 315 cars from client Filpar, which were later unloaded in Marseille demonstrating the ship’s operational readiness and efficiency.
This milestone followed successful sea trials and the vessel’s official delivery in late September, when it proudly raised the French flag. The journey to this point began in January 2023, when construction started on the 136-meter-long ship, fulfilling a vision NEOLINE set in 2015 to create modern, eco-friendly Ro-Ro (roll-on/roll-off) cargo ships powered primarily by wind.
Innovation in Design and Future Trade Routes
The Neoliner Origin is equipped with two 76-meter-high carbon fiber masts built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, featuring the advanced Solidsail Rig System that supports 3,000 square meters of rigid sails. With a cargo capacity of 6,300 tons, the vessel can carry 321 cars, 265 20-foot containers, or 125 40-foot containers a remarkable feat for a wind-propelled ship.
NEOLINE’s vision extends beyond innovation to practical global trade. The company plans to operate routes connecting Saint-Nazaire (France) with Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon (Newfoundland), Baltimore (USA), and Halifax (Canada). Major brands such as Renault Group, Michelin, Clarins, and Rémy Cointreau have already joined NEOLINE’s sustainable shipping network, highlighting industry-wide support for green logistics.
The successful maiden operation of the Neoliner Origin marks a transformative moment for the maritime industry. By harnessing the natural power of wind, NEOLINE is pioneering a path toward cleaner, more sustainable ocean transport. As global industries strive to reduce their carbon footprint, the Neoliner Origin stands as a beacon of innovation proving that the future of shipping can be both efficient and environmentally responsible.
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Source: gCaptain
