A development project for the construction of a 136m wind-powered merchant ship is progressing further following the final selection of the wind-assisted propulsion technology for the vessel, an active crowdfunding campaign and the forging of key strategic partnerships.
Nantes-based shipping company Neoline’s vessel, construction of which is scheduled to begin this year for entry into service in 2024-2025, will save 80 to 90% of fuel compared to a conventional ship of the same size.
Following technical studies carried out by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Neopolia, Mauric and D-Ice, the ship’s rigging will consist of two Solid Sail folding rigging systems, including two masts of 76m in height, each equipped with the a sail of 1,100m² and a flexible jib of 400m², giving a total sail area of 3,000m². Calculations suggest that the rigid Solid Sail rig will provide the equivalent or even better performance than the 4,200m² of flexible sails initially planned, thanks to the thinness and vertical elongation of the structure, as well as the reduction of the masking effect of the sails.
The expected lifetime of the sail is 25 years, which will reduce maintenance costs compared to soft sails. The production and installation of this rigging by Chantiers de l’Atlantique on the hull of the Neoliner will boost the local economy and occupy many trades at different stages.
Neoline president Jean Zanuttini said: “The expertise of our technical partners and local players, combined with Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s Research and Development, give the project a synergy of skills, which made this choice possible. The continuous work on the general design of the ship over the last few months by Mauric, Neoliner’s architect, has enabled the architecture to be adapted to this new rig, in order to ensure its integration on board. The studies have confirmed the technical feasibility of the major evolution of the rig, both from a structural and stability point of view and in terms of the general organization of the ship.”
€1m is being sought through crowdfunding, with €700,000 already pledged by more than 800 individual investors, towards the total budget of €3m being sought from financial investors. For contractual reasons, construction of the Neoliner has been postponed to autumn 2022, following disruption to supply of materials due to the pandemic and the Ukraine political situation.
Zanuttini said: “The project is adapting to a rapidly changing world and, although the financial and industrial closing is taking longer than initially planned, its relevance is being strengthened and we are still aiming for commissioning by 2024/2025.”
For strategic reasons, the Sogestran group has withdrawn from Neoline’s shareholding. Discussion are in progress with another shipowner, A letter of intent has been signed allowing the project to continue towards the construction of the first Neoliner.
