Turkish yacht builder RMK Marine reports that it has won the tender for the construction of the commercial sailing ro-ro vessel, which will operate almost entirely with wind propulsion for French company Neoline Armateurs.
The 136m ro-ro will feature an automatic sensor system which determines the optimum navigation route, masts built with carbon fibre technology and a 3000 m2 sail area. It is planned to be delivered in 2025 and has a navigation and sailing equipment control system with high level integration and automation, as well as smart sensors which determine the optimum navigation route and speed by evaluating wind and sea conditions. The vessel is equipped with foldable sails made of lightweight high-strength material positioned on two carbon fibre masts.
Neoliner carries a crew of 20, has accommodation for 12 passengers, with appropriate emergency systems, and 6300t cargo capacity, equivalent to 321 cars, or 265 TEU containers. RMK Marine is working with various partners including Chantiers De l’Atlantique, the designer and manufacturer of Solidsail System; Bureau Mauric, a French design office; and D-Ice, a specialist in sail navigation systems.
RMK Marine CEO Adnan Nefesoğlu said: “We offer innovative and environmentally friendly solutions to our clients in compliance with IMO’s targets for decarbonisation and reducing greenhouse gases, and we find it very valuable that renewable energy sources, particularly wind energy, find application in our own sector. The IMO has set targets to reduce carbon emissions of all ships by 40% by 2030, by 70% by 2050, and ultimately to become carbon zero. In accordance with these goals, we use environmentally friendly and carbon footprint-reducing technologies in our projects we realise. On the other hand, we find it very valuable that renewable energy sources, particularly wind energy, find application in our own sector. The contract we signed with Neoline Armateurs for the construction of commercial sailing Ro-Ro vessel Neoliner which will operate almost entirely with the propulsion power of the wind energy is an important indication of our environmentally friendly production understanding. Following the signing of Letter of Intent in July 2022, we are proud to have concluded the process by signing a contract with our esteemed client for the construction of the said Vessel and having the privilege of putting this contract in effect. It is my firm belief that we will successfully complete this major project which excites us with the strength we derive from our infrastructure facilities and capabilities, skill sets, financial power, our recognition by our customers in the global market, and the awareness and reliability we have created in the sector.”
Neoline Armateurs CEO Jean Zanuttini added: “Together, we have succeeded in carrying out a project which, in many respects, could initially seem utopian. But, in a context that daily reminds us that the fight against climate change is the challenge of this century, wind propulsion for commercial ships is becoming more and more of a pragmatic solution to an increasingly complex energy issue. Wind is certainly intermittent, but it is more predictable than the prices and availability of many other energies. This is an unprecedented opportunity to do our part in the energy transition and to pick up the thread of history of maritime transport under sail.”
