Neoliner Origin


Neoliner Origin is a sail-powered roll-on/roll-off cargo ship which began service on a transatlantic route in 2025. The vessel was developed by French company Neoline with the goal of reducing carbon emissions for merchant shipping. It is the largest sail-powered cargo ship in the world as of 2025.

Development

Neoline is a shipping company founded in 2015 by Jean Zanuttini and nine co-founders, with a vision of prioritising environmental responsibility. Development of Neoliner Origin began in 2016, and in 2025 the vessel became the company's first vessel to be put into service.

Specifications

Neoliner Origin is designed to use sails as its main propulsion. It is also equipped with a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system for backup power. The ship is in length, with a cargo capacity of 5,300 tonnes. It is the largest sail-powered cargo ship in the world as of 2025.
The vessel features two SolidSail sails, which were developed by Chantiers de l'Atlantique. The two SolidSail units are mounted on masts, which can be lowered to allow passage beneath bridges and other structures with limited air-draft. Neoliner Origin has a maximum speed of, with a cruising speed of up to using only the sails. It also has fins to counter lateral drift, designed by Fouré Lagadec.

Construction

Construction of the vessel began in November 2023. The hull of Neoliner Origin was built at RMK Marine shipyard in Tuzla, Turkey, where it was launched early in 2025. Installation of the masts and sails was completed separately.
After the completion of sea trials, the ship was handed over to its owner in September 2025. On the ship's delivery journey from Turkey to Saint-Nazaire, Neoliner Origin paused in Bastia for its first loading operation.

First transatlantic voyage

Neoliner Origin first transatlantic voyage was completed in October 2025, taking eight days from Saint-Nazaire to Saint Pierre and Miquelon en route to Baltimore.
Among the cargo on the maiden voyage was a shipment from French cosmetics company Clarins. Clarins and Neoline have been in partnership since 2021 seeking more sustainable shipping.