In its 1st year of operation, the NEOLINER ORIGIN achieved 70% fuel savings compared with other RoRo vessels of its size despite using all its sails only 5% of the time, transported more than 12,000 tonnes of cargo and added a new European port of call in Zeebrugge. The vessel sails from St Nazaire-Montoir to Saint Pierre et Miquelon, Baltimore and Halifax, covering more than 62,000 nautical miles in its first year.

The sailing RoRo has transported 1,845 cargo units, equivalent to 56,000m³, comprising special cargoes, vehicles, industrial equipment, mafis and containers. Neoline’s partnership with CMA CGM and CEVA Logistics is seen as the key to improving its occupancy factor and profitability. The vessel also transported 170 passengers.

Jean Zanuttini, Chairman and CEO of NEOLINE, stated:

“This first year of operations confirms the potential of wind propulsion to significantly reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in maritime transport. It has also been challenging, as can be expected when developing a prototype vessel, and has enabled us to draw valuable lessons to improve its performance. NEOLINE also relies on the commitment of our technical and commercial partners and on the trust of our shipping customers who entrust us with their cargo. We would like to thank them for their commitment and support, which are essential to the continued development of this new transport solution. We are confident in our ability to approach, and potentially exceed, 80% fuel savings as early as 2027.”

Read also: Wind-powered RoRo ship NEOLINER ORIGIN sets sail on maiden voyage

© Shippax