Neoliner Origin: The World’s First Commercial Sailing RoRo Vessel Launched in Türkiye
The Neoliner Origin, described as the world’s first commercial sailing roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessel, has officially launched at the RMK Marine shipyard in Tuzla, Türkiye.
A Pioneering Sustainable Cargo Ship
The 136-meter-long and 24.2-meter-wide sailing cargo vessel is being built for the French shipping company Neoline. Construction began in November 2023, with the keel-laying ceremony taking place in February 2024.
This innovative ship will be equipped with nearly 3,000 square meters of sail and two foldable 76-meter-high Solidsail carbon masts, manufactured by Chantiers de l’Atlantique. It will also feature retractable anti-drift plans made by Fouré Lagadec and an advanced weather routing system developed by D-ICE Engineering.
Capacity and Passenger Accommodation
The Neoliner Origin boasts a loading capacity of 1,200 linear meters, allowing it to transport up to 265 twenty-foot containers (TEUs) with a maximum cargo weight of 5,300 tonnes. Additionally, it can accommodate 12 passengers in six double cabins, alongside a 13-member crew.
Significant Reduction in Emissions
Neoline’s innovative transport solution aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 90% on ocean crossings, while also eliminating sulfur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions.
RMK Marine highlighted the vessel’s environmental impact in a LinkedIn update, stating:
“With the great initiative of Neoline Armateurs, the project sprang to life in 2023 with a vision for a greener, more sustainable future. This extraordinary 136-meter vessel will reduce fossil fuel consumption by over 80% and will harness the power of the wind as its primary driving force.”
Planned Route and Future Operations
Expected to be operational by summer 2025, the Neoliner Origin will carry various types of cargo, including rolling equipment, containers, oversized goods, and pallets. The vessel’s primary route will connect Saint-Nazaire (France) to Baltimore (USA), with scheduled stops in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon and Halifax (Canada). The christening ceremony is set to take place in Nantes in July 2025.
France’s Growing Wind-Powered Fleet
Neoliner Origin is among several wind-powered vessels ordered by French companies, reflecting the nation’s commitment to sustainable shipping. Wind propulsion saw significant growth in France during 2024, with the country’s sailing fleet now comprising eleven large cargo ships. Four new wind-powered vessels were added to the fleet in 2024, according to the Association Wind Ship.
Furthermore, the French association, which represents around 60 local stakeholders in wind propulsion technology, reported that 15 additional vessels featuring wind propulsion are currently under construction.
