First Commercial Sailing Roro Vessel Launched
The world’s first commercial sailing roll-on/roll-off (roro) vessel, Neoliner Origin, has officially launched at RMK Marine shipyard in Türkiye. This groundbreaking vessel is designed for the French shipping company Neoline and aims to revolutionize maritime transport by significantly reducing fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Innovative Design and Environmental Impact
*Neoliner Origin* measures 136 meters in length and 24.2 meters in width. It features an impressive 3,000 square meters of sail area and is equipped with two foldable carbon masts that stand 76 meters tall. This innovative design allows the vessel to harness wind power effectively, making it a pioneer in sustainable shipping. The roro vessel can accommodate 1,200 linear meters of cargo, equivalent to 265 twenty-foot containers, with a maximum cargo weight of 5,300 tonnes.
RMK Marine has emphasized the environmental benefits of this vessel. By utilizing wind as its primary driving force, *Neoliner Origin* is expected to reduce fossil fuel consumption by over 80%. Furthermore, greenhouse gas emissions could be cut by as much as 90%. This aligns with the global push for greener shipping solutions and highlights the potential for wind-powered vessels in the maritime industry.
The *Neoliner Origin* is set to begin operational trials in the spring of 2025, with full operations expected to commence in the summer. It will primarily operate on a route connecting Saint-Nazaire, France, to Baltimore, USA, with planned stops in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon and Halifax. This vessel represents a significant step forward in sustainable maritime transport, paving the way for future innovations in the industry.