Neoliner Origin launched

The world’s longest sailing freighter, the 136-metre Neoliner Origin, was launched in Turkey on 31 January and will be fitted with two 76-metre Aerorig-style solid-sails in the coming months.

Cutting a line, the champagne was released by the French ambassador to Turkey, Isabelle Dumont. In her speech, she called the Neoliner Origin “more than just a cargo ship: it is a symbol of hope, sustainability, decarbonisation, and respect for biodiversity.”
A video of the launch can be seen on Turkish YouTube channel Sharjah24 News, click here.

For initiator and designer Jean Zanuttini, it was an emotional moment. He started development back in 2011. It is now gaining momentum. The ro-ro sailing ship will leave Turkey in summer 2025 with full holds, bound for the French port of Saint-Nazaire, before embarking on its first round to North America. In the process, the Neoliner will call at the French island of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, the US port of Baltimore and Halifax in Canada. Cargo and passengers for the maiden voyage have already been booked.

Solid-sails

Before that happens, the ship will be finished at the yard RMK Marine just below Istanbul. In recent years, drawings of the Neoliner Origin with all kinds of different rigs have been circulating. On the classic-looking hull, especially from the front, the rotating mast bases and booms can already be seen. Initially planned with a duplex rig, in 2022 Neoline opted to equip the Neoliner with a Solid Sail rig, developed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique. Two retractable daggerboards should promote course keeping and efficiency of navigation under sail. The masts are 76 metres high and together carry 3,000 m2 of sail. The ship can carry 5,000 tonnes of cargo.
Besides the sailing rigging, the ship also has diesel-electric propulsion of 4,000 kw, by the way. After installation of the rigging, about six months of finishing, sea trials and fine-tuning will be needed.

Second vessel

With about 90 per cent of world trade going by sea, the maritime transport sector accounts for about three per cent of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the International Maritime Organisation. Two pilot ships are planned based on this concept, which will be a first step before larger sizes and other shipping sectors are considered. The project received support from the French Public Investment Bank (BPI) and French shipping company CMA-CGM. Zanuttini said the shipyard would soon start work on a second similar vessel.

Passenger accommodation

With a crew of 13, the ship will also accommodate 12 passengers in double cabins of 27 m², each with a balcony. Passenger crossings, marketed by Sailcoop, will begin in summer 2025.

Source: press release Neoliner
More about the ship in our December 2024 article.

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