Innovative Sailing Cargo Ship Aims to Transform Shipping Industry

The Neoliner Origin, the world's largest sailing cargo ship, embarked on its inaugural voyage from the west coast of France to Baltimore, Maryland, with the ambitious goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% compared to traditional diesel-powered cargo ships.

Powered primarily by two semi-rigid sails made from carbon and fiberglass, the ship also has a backup diesel-electric engine. Onboard, it carried 1,204 tonnes of cargo, including 500,000 bottles of Hennessy cognac and refrigerated French brioche, alongside a dozen forklifts and eight hybrid Renault cars.

Environmental writer Michel Pery documented the journey, aligning it with his own aim to travel without flying, reducing his carbon footprint in the process. The shipping industry is responsible for approximately 3% of global carbon emissions, making it one of the significant contributors to climate change.

A study by the International Council on Clean Transportation indicated that if shipping were a country, it would rank as the sixth-largest emitter globally. Traditional cargo transport primarily uses heavy fuel oil, a particularly dirty fossil fuel.

Captain Antonin Petit, who has dreamt of commanding the Neoliner Origin for 15 years, highlighted the potential of wind-powered ships to offer a cleaner alternative to flying, which contributes 2.5% of global emissions despite only 10% of the population flying.

However, the journey faced complications; three days in, a panel on one of the sails cracked, requiring repairs that delayed the ship's emissions reduction goals. This incident forced reliance on the ship's diesel engine, which was used at only 20% to 50% of its capacity, underscoring the challenges faced by renewable energy solutions in maritime transport.

The crew was also affected by unpredictable weather patterns, which contributed to the difficulties during the crossing. Despite these setbacks, estimates suggest that the Neoliner Origin reduced fuel consumption by nearly half compared to conventional cargo ships, even while relying on just one functional sail.

The ship's design and construction cost around 60 million euros, and as part of its pilot phase, it has already sold over 100 passenger tickets for future journeys. While the Neoliner Origin aims to pave the way for greener shipping practices, experts note that retrofitting existing vessels with sails can be costly and complex, and the overall shipping industry must transition to greener fuels for meaningful reductions in emissions.

Captain Petit expressed pride in the ship's maiden voyage, viewing it as a culmination of decades of work towards a personal and professional goal of environmental sustainability. As the shipping industry faces increasing pressure to decarbonize, the Neoliner Origin represents a significant step towards a more sustainable future in global trade, demonstrating both the potential and challenges of sailing cargo transport in the modern era.