Neoline is proud to celebrate a major milestone with the launching of the Neoliner Origin, its first sail-powered ro-ro cargo ship, at RMK Marine shipyard.
- This impressive and symbolic maneuver sees the ship sliding off the slipway into the water.
- The vessel will then be moored at RMK Marine’s outfitting quay, where the final outfitting works, the mast installation, and dock trials will take place.
- In total, over 3,500 tons 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.
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.
This event marks a major milestone in the realization of Neoline’s first vessel, the result 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, and others.
A High-Performance and Innovative Vessel
- Length: 136 meters
- Propulsion: Two 76-meter Solid Sail carbon masts with retractable leeboards
- Operating speed: 11 knots
- GHG emission reductions: Up to 80% compared to a conventional ship of similar size
Its cargo capacity is 1,200 linear meters or 265 TEUs, with a maximum weight of 5,300 tons of goods, including rolling
equipment, containers, and oversized freight.
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 SaintNazaire in summer 2025.
The Neoliner Origin will operate a regular route on its pilot line between Saint-Nazaire, Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, Baltimore (USA), and Halifax (Canada).
During the ceremony, Jean Zanuttini, President of Neoline, emphasized:
“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. We are extremely proud to admire this superb building today, and would like to warmly thank all our partners for their trust and commitment. We're looking forward, with our crews, to sailing our first nautical miles this summer!”
Ms. Isabelle Dumont, French Ambassador to Turkey, highlighted the importance of international collaboration:
“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. [...]
The Neoliner Origin, which we are launching today, is a concrete response to these challenges.
Economically viable, it represents a major innovation, capable of reducing fuel consumption by up to 90% thanks to wind energy.
This vessel is more than just a cargo ship—it is a symbol of hope, sustainability, decarbonization, and respect for biodiversity.”
The Neoliner Origin was made possible through extensive cooperation among our 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.
Embark on a Unique Maritime Adventure
With a crew of 13, the vessel will also be able to accommodate 12 passengers in double cabins of 27 m², each with a balcony. Passenger crossings, marketed by Sailcoop, will begin in summer 2025.
