The Neoliner Origin arrived in Livorno on 4 October 2025, completing one of the initial legs of its maiden voyage after departing from the RMK Marine shipyard in Tuzla on 29 September. The sail-powered ro-ro vessel, the first of its kind to enter commercial service, will continue on to Bastia on 6 October before reaching its final destination of Saint-Nazaire. From there, on 16 October, it will begin a monthly route linking the French Atlantic coast to Baltimore, with intermediate calls at Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon and Halifax.
The vessel measures 136 metres in length and 24.2 metres in beam, with a cargo capacity of 1,200 linear metres, equivalent to 265 TEU. It can carry up to 5,300 tonnes of cargo, including rolling stock, oversized loads and refrigerated containers. Its internal layout includes three enclosed and protected garages, providing over 2,300 square metres of usable space.
Its operational profile foresees a service speed of 11 knots, with the ability to reach 14 knots under sail. The vessel has a range of 7,000 nautical miles, with flexibility for an additional 3 knots to recover possible delays. Estimated transit times are 13 days from Saint-Nazaire to Baltimore westbound and 15 days eastbound, while the routes to Saint-Pierre and Halifax will take 8 and 18 days respectively.
The hybrid sail–diesel-electric propulsion system combines two 76-metre folding Solid Sail masts, with a total sail area of 3,000 square metres, developed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique. Supporting propulsion comes from a main engine rated at 3,184 kW and electric generators providing 900 kW, coupled with a controllable-pitch propeller and three transverse thrusters for port manoeuvring.
According to Neoline, the predominant use of wind power will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by between 80% and 90% compared with conventional diesel-powered vessels of similar capacity. The project is backed by an investment exceeding €60 million, supported by partners including CMA CGM, Ademe Investissement, Corsica Ferries and Banque des Territoires.
The initiative has already attracted a group of industrial shippers such as Renault, Michelin, Beneteau, Manitou, Hennessy, Clarins and Rémy Cointreau. Michelin, in particular, has committed to transferring at least half of its containers to the service once the second vessel, scheduled for next year, is operational. Construction of the Neoliner Origin began with the cutting of the first steel plate in November 2023 and was completed in September 2025, with official delivery following successful sea trials. The RMK Marine shipyard in Istanbul oversaw the entire build, integrating the Solid Sail system supplied by Chantiers de l’Atlantique.
