This spring, the ‘Neoliner Origin,’ a groundbreaking cargo sailboat, is set to launch, promising up to 90% reduction in fuel consumption compared to conventional ships. Built in Tuzla, Turkey, by RMK shipyard, the 136-meter vessel features advanced technology, including a massive carbon sail and a sophisticated weather routing system. Backed by Neoline Développement, the project emphasizes sustainability and aims to disrupt the competitive shipping market, with plans for further expansion in eco-friendly maritime solutions.
Introducing the ‘Neoliner Origin’: A Revolutionary Cargo Sailboat
This spring marks the debut of the ‘Neoliner Origin,’ an innovative cargo sailboat designed to dramatically reduce fuel consumption by up to 90 percent compared to traditional vessels. However, it faces stiff competition in the transportation sector.
Located in Tuzla, a suburb of Istanbul just 40 kilometers from the bustling city center, the RMK shipyard is a significant industrial hub owned by Koç Holding, one of Turkey’s largest conglomerates. Here, the prototype for the ‘Neoliner Origin’ is taking shape, featuring an impressive 3,000 square meters of sail area.
The ambitious project is backed by the French company Neoline Développement, founded by maritime professionals who believe that sail-powered freighters can play a crucial role in creating a more sustainable shipping industry. Chief engineer İrem Eşyar Kızıloğlu reports that a dedicated team of around 700 engineers and workers are contributing to the construction of this 136-meter-long, 24-meter-wide vessel, leveraging Tuzla’s extensive expertise in eco-friendly shipbuilding.
Advanced Technology and Environmental Commitment
The shipyard operates under tight security, and while filming is prohibited due to the sensitive nature of the projects underway—including luxury yachts and naval vessels—safety is paramount. Visitors are required to don protective gear, with team members even having their blood types noted on their helmets, emphasizing the importance of safety in operations.
A massive carbon sail, crafted from fiber carbon and rolled on a large reel, is ready to be deployed. With the push of a button, this main sail can ascend to the towering 80-meter masts, complemented by additional smaller sails. The vessel features two foldable carbon masts produced in France, and it incorporates a cutting-edge weather routing system developed by D-ICE Engineering to optimize its navigation based on wind conditions.
The team in Tuzla takes great pride in the environmental benefits of the ‘Neoliner Origin,’ which can reduce fossil fuel usage by over 80 percent and cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90 percent through its wind-powered propulsion system.
After successfully launching the ship for the first time, the crew is now preparing for another crucial test—the raising of the sails. Once finalized, the sailboat is scheduled to make its way to France, where a skilled crew will complete any necessary adjustments before embarking on its inaugural journey across the Atlantic, navigating the route between Saint-Nazaire, Baltimore, and Halifax, known for its favorable winds.
The ‘Neoliner Origin’ aims to carve out a place in the competitive container transport market, currently dominated by Japanese, Chinese, and South Korean companies. While specific costs for the prototype remain undisclosed, it is clear that the investment is significant. The optimism surrounding its energy-efficient technology suggests that sail-powered shipping could indeed offer a greener alternative for the future.
As RKM looks to expand its operations, plans are already underway for a new shipyard in Yalova, indicating a commitment to advancing sustainable maritime solutions.