Neoliner route will now pass via Zeebrugge

Zeebrugge has gained a remarkable transatlantic connection. The French wind-powered cargo ship Neoliner Origin will call at the port regularly. The ship transports cargo across the Atlantic Ocean, using wind as its main source of propulsion.

With this new service, the port of Zeebrugge becomes part of a regular transatlantic route between Europe and North America. The new route runs from Zeebrugge to Montoir-de-Bretagne, Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, Baltimore and Halifax. Neoline is collaborating with the French shipping company CMA CGM on the commercial development of the service.

A logical choice

The port of Zeebrugge is a logical choice for Neoline. The port is a major European hub for roll-on/roll-off cargo. The Neoliner Origin was designed precisely for these types of cargo. The additional port of call is also intended to provide better connections to the European hinterland. From Zeebrugge, goods can be transported onwards to Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and northern France.

According to Neoline, the expansion follows interest from various shippers and logistics partners. The shipping company’s main aim is to increase freight volumes on the return journey from North America to Europe.

Neoline states that the Neoliner Origin will use over 80 per cent less fuel on its route than a conventional cargo ship travelling at a speed of around 15 knots. The actual savings will, of course, depend on weather conditions.

Five weeks at sea

The extension to Zeebrugge adds a few days to the existing shipping route. A full rotation takes around five weeks in summer and six weeks in winter. Neoline is aiming for around ten round trips per year.

Following the first scheduled call on 21 September, the timetable indicates that another call at Zeebrugge is scheduled for 19 October. Zeebrugge therefore appears not to be a trial call, but a permanent link in the transatlantic service.

Wind as an alternative

The arrival of the Neoliner Origin is particularly interesting because wind power is no longer being used here as a demonstration, but as part of a regular commercial freight service. For the port of Zeebrugge, this means a new connection, and for Neoline, the port must generate sufficient new freight to make the longer route profitable.
However, this expansion comes at a time when the transatlantic market is under pressure due to geopolitical developments and changing US trade and customs policies.

Whether the combination of wind power, modern shipbuilding and commercial logistics can achieve a major breakthrough remains to be seen in the coming years. But one thing is already clear: from September, the port of Zeebrugge will have a special transatlantic cargo vessel in its fleet.

Sources: Neoline, Meretmarine, lokaalnieuws. 

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