Neoline has launched the Neoliner Origin, an innovative sail-powered ro-ro cargo ship, at RMK Marine shipyard in Türkiye.
The 136 m-long vessel is powered by two 76-m solid sail carbon masts with retractable leeboards. Its cargo capacity is 1,200 linear metres (265 teu), with a maximum weight of 5,300 tonnes of cargo. It is suitable for rolling cargo, containers and oversized freight. Neoline said greenhouse gas emissions reductions from the vessel will be 80 percent lower in comparison to a conventional ship of similar size.
In the coming months, sea trials of the Neoliner Origin will take place before its expected delivery in late June 2025, followed by its inaugural voyage departing from Saint-Nazaire, France, in summer 2025. The Neoliner Origin will operate a regular route between Saint-Nazaire, Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, Baltimore (USA), and Halifax (Canada).
Neoliner Origin is the realisation of thousands of hours of work by RMK Marine’s teams and all technical partners: Mauric, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Fouré Lagadec, D-Ice Engineering, Axima, Bio-Sea, Gürdesan, BMA, Berg Propulsion, ABC, among others. The construction contract came into force in January 2023, first steel plate was cut in November 2023 and the laying of the first block in February 2024.
“The launching of a ship is always an emotional moment, but in this case it’s Neoliner Origin, a ship of a new type, which combines the use of wind with the most modern technologies to demonstrate the possibility of industrial maritime transport that is effectively respectful of the environment. It is also the first achievement of a long-term commitment, first by the founders of Neoline, then by all the financial partners, and finally by the extraordinary work accomplished by RMK Marine shipyard and all the technical partners,” said Jean Zanuttini, president of Neoline.
Financial partners in the project include CMA CGM, ADEME Investissement, Corsica Ferries, Hardy, CIC, Bpifrance, Banque des Territoires, and Région Pays de la Loire.
