04/13/2023
Launch of the Neoliner cargo ship: wind in the sails and healthy air in the hold with Axima Marine
Equans France, through its entity Axima Marine, has just signed a contract with the Turkish shipyard RMK Marine for the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) work package of the very first sail-powered cargo ship from the Nantes-based French shipowner NEOLINE. The concept of this ship, named Neoliner, forms part of the decarbonisation programme for maritime freight. Operational by 2025, this transatlantic cargo ship is expected to save 80% to 90% of fuel compared to a diesel ship of equivalent size thanks to its 3,000 m² sail area. Axima is proud to contribute to the development of this innovative project, helping to provide a concrete and effective response to climate change and rising fuel prices.
A necessary rethink of maritime transport
Maritime transport could be responsible for around 17 % of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
To avoid this scenario, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) aims to reduce GHG emissions from shipping by at least 50% by 2050. This commitment challenges the habits of an entire industry that will need to take drastic measures to reduce its ecological footprint, following the example of NEOLINE.
Its future vessel, the Neoliner, is a ro-ro sailing cargo ship with a sail-powered main propulsion system. The transatlantic route operated by NEOLINE will focus on a niche market, offering new capacities in terms of type of cargo (rolling and non-standard freight) and destination.
The first transport line will link the French city of St-Nazaire to the American east coast from mid 2025 onwards, with two stops in St-Pierre and Miquelon.
The aim is to serve this route with two ships, making two departures per month possible.