Sail-powered cargo ships, the latest potential eco-friendly innovation for the maritime industry, appears to be a step closer to being a reality after NEOLINE, a shipping company committed to pioneering green technologies, awarded the contract to build its first vessels to Neopolia.
According to a statement, the decision follows an international call for tenders launched in 2018 t0 15 shipyards to build its new eco-friendly fleet, the first vessels of which are due to be launched by the end of 2021.
Once in service, the new ro-ro and general cargo fleet will connect the Port of Saint-Nazaire on France’s Atlantic coast to the US and could cut carbon emissions by 90% in the process.
As part of the initiative, NEOLINE has worked with major French industrial companies Groupe Renault, Manitou Group and Groupe Beneteau.
A recent Port Technology technical paper looked at the journey towards zero emission shipping
Speaking about the new partnership, Michel Perry, President of NEOLINE, said: “Neopolia has been a strong partner and support since NEOLINE was created in 2015, and has accompanied us at every step.
“Their ability to listen to the shipowner’s needs has enabled them to bring appropriate technical proposals, as well as an organisation able to respond to the constraints of an innovative project like NEOLINE.
“In addition, we are very pleased to have been able to select the construction offer of a local player, because we are convinced that sailing propulsion is a new sector of excellence for French shipbuilding, with strong development potential.
