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Last Updated on: 2nd February 2025, 11:24 am
The Rise of Wind-Powered Shipping in America
The United States offshore wind sector has encountered significant resistance from the current administration; nonetheless, another iteration of wind power is making its entrance along American coastlines. This summer marks the arrival of an unprecedented sailing cargo ship setting sail for U.S. ports.
Welcome Innovations in New York Harbor
Despite its nascent adoption, the shipping industry’s embrace of wind energy is poised for substantial growth. While initial implementation has been modest, there is a burgeoning movement that could drastically reduce fuel consumption alongside various alternative energy sources and enhanced efficiency measures.
Wind-assisted vessels are now surfacing in U.S. waters, with Grain de Sail—a French company—initiating regular shipments to and from New York City using their sailing crafts. Another innovative French company, VELA, aims to launch a sail-powered trimaran by 2026 that will carry goods between France and the Eastern Seaboard.
Though these companies are currently operating significantly smaller ships than those dominating today’s commercial waters, they are leveraging the cost-effectiveness of wind propulsion and adaptable designs to minimize operational expenses efficiently. VELA plans to utilize pallets rather than traditional shipping containers and promises competitive delivery timelines compared to conventional freight carriers across the Atlantic.
Pioneering Wind Energy with Large Cargo Ships
The trend toward utilizing wind energy is also gaining traction among larger cargo vessels exemplified by projects like Neoliner Origin—a large scale ship being constructed at RMK Marine shipyard in Tuzla, Turkey under European startup NEOLINE Développement’s guidance.
After launching operations in 2015 post a four-year preparatory phase, Neoline seeks not only ecological responsibility but also aims at showcasing what sustainable sea transport can achieve on a grand scale—the Neoliner seeks this ambition head-on.
This vessel’s construction commenced formally in 2023 backed by notable firms such as CMA CGM and Corsica Ferries among others: “The credit financing was organized through Crédit Industriel et Commercial (CIC) complemented by guarantees from Public Investment Bank (BPI),” reported NEOLINE Développement representatives.
Aiming High With Renewable Propulsion
Pitched as potentially “the biggest cargo ship powered primarily by sails,” Neoliner marked progress recently with successful slipway work completion which will lead towards mast installation while afloat—its completion slated for June this year is imminent.
“With two masts reaching heights of 90m (295ft) equipped with sails covering an area of around 3000 square meters (32,300 sqft), this vessel’s inaugural transatlantic voyage is set for summer-fall 2025.”
“Ports include St Pierre & Miquelon—overshadowed territory belonging to France—and conclude at Baltimore.”
The Future With Less Fossil Fuels
“NEOLINE forecasts that around 60-70% propulsion requirements could be met through wind energy alone.”
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