RMK Marine shipyard has launched the Neoliner Origin, Neoline’s first sail-powered RoRo cargo ship. The 136-metre vessel will be propelled by two 76-metre Solid Sail carbon masts with retractable leeboards for an operating speed of 11 knots.
The vessel was subsequently moored at RMK Marine’s outfitting quay, where the final outfitting works, the mast installation, and dock trials will take place.
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 in summer 2025.
Also read: Turkish shipyard starts construction of sailing cargo ship Neoliner
3500 tonnes of steel
Since the construction contract came into force in January 2023, every step taken has brought Neoline closer to its goal: from months of detailed design work to the cutting of the first steel plate in November 2023 and the laying of the first block in February 2024.
In total, over 3500 tonnes of steel were cut, forming 75 blocks that were assembled to create the ship’s hull, on which the main equipment has already been installed. In addition to RMK Marine, some of the technical partners involved in the project are Mauric, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Fouré Lagadec, D-Ice Engineering, Axima,Bio-Sea, Gürdesan, BMA, Berg Propulsion, and ABC.
Reducing emissions by up to eighty per cent
The Neoliner Origin is said to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to eighty per cent compared to a conventional ship of similar size. Its cargo capacity is 1200 linear metres or 265 TEUs, with a maximum weight of 5300 tonnes of goods, including rolling equipment, containers, and oversized freight.
For port manoeuvres and punctuality of service, the vessel will also be equipped with an auxiliary engine, MGO (marine gas oil) desulphurised generators and three transverse thrusters. Each exhaust will be equipped with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) to suppress NOx emissions.
Also read: VIDEO: Econowind hits 100 VentoFoil sales
Passenger crossings on regular route
The Neoliner Origin will operate a regular route on its pilotline between Saint-Nazaire, Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, Baltimore (USA), and Halifax (Canada).
With a crew of thirteen, the vessel will also be able to accommodate twelve passengers in double cabins of 27 m2, each with a
balcony. Passenger crossings, marketed by Sailcoop, will begin in summer 2025.
Also read: VIDEO: MOL takes delivery of green steel MPV with VentoFoils
‘Symbol of decarbonisation’
‘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,’ says Jean Zanuttini, President of Neoline. ‘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.’
Ms. Isabelle Dumont, French Ambassador to Turkey: ‘I am honored to be here with you to celebrate the launch of the very first wind-powered cargo ship born from the cooperation between our French and Turkish industries. […] Economically viable, it represents a major innovation, capable of reducing fuel consumption by up to ninety per cent thanks to wind energy. This vessel is more than just a cargo ship — it is a symbol of hope, sustainability, decarbonisation, and respect for biodiversity.’
Project partners
The Neoliner Origin was made possible through extensive cooperation among partners:
- Financial partners: CMA CGM, ADEME Investissement, Corsica Ferries, Hardy, CIC, Bpifrance, Banque des Territoires, Région Pays de la Loire.
- Technical partners: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, MAURIC, Fouré Lagadec, D-ICE, Sailcoop.
- Committed shippers: Renault Group, Groupe Bénéteau, MANITOU Group, La Fournée Dorée, Hennessy, Longchamp, Groupe Clarins, Rémy Cointreau.
Picture (top): Launch of the Neoliner Origin at RMK Marine (photo by Claire Ronsin & Nicolas Pougnand).
Also read: VIDEO: Anemoi wraps biggest wind propulsion project yet
