French shipbuilder Neopolia has clinched a contract to build domestic start-up Neoline's pioneering sail-powered cargo vessels.
Neoline said it had chosen the Saint-Nazaire company following a tender involving about 15 yards.
The first of two 136-metre Neoliner ro-ro vessels will be delivered in late 2021. The price was not revealed.
Neoline is working with shippers Renault, Manitou and Beneteau on the project.
The ships will embody the capacity of France to achieve its energy transition in the field of maritime transport, it said.
Neoline president Michel Pery added: "Neopolia has been a strong partner and support since the creation of Neoline in 2015, and has accompanied us every step of the way.
"However, this decision follows an international call for tender, after which we objectively considered that the offer made by Neopolia and its members is the best technically and economically."
He added: "Their ability to listen to the needs of the shipowner has allowed them to provide appropriate technical proposals, as well as an organisation able to meet the constraints of an innovative project like Neoline."
Emissions slashed
The vessels will run between Saint-Nazaire, the east coast of the US and the French islands of Saint-Pierre & Miquelon off Canada.
Neoline believes its vessels have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90% through the use of wind power primarily, combined with a cost-cutting speed and optimised energy mix, compared to a traditional cargoship on an equivalent route.
The proposed vessel is a ro-ro with 4,200 square meters of sail area.
Neoline wants to become the first shipowner to fully embrace energy efficiency by relying on wind power as its primary energy source.
Alain Leroy, president of Neopolia, added: "Neopolia's mission and vocation is to structure industrial sectors within the Pays de la Loire, including renewable energies and mobility, so naturally we have supported the Neoline project, a good example of a collaborative project in our region."
Neopolia has financing from Arkea, CICOuest, Champollion Finance and Credit Agricole.
