French startup Neoline has chosen Neopolia S.A.S. for the construction of its first two sailing main propulsion vessels.
This decision follows the international call for tenders launched in 2018 by Neoline to around fifteen shipyards. The construction of the first ship is scheduled to start at the end of 2019, with a launch scheduled for the end of 2021.
Speaking about Neopolia, Michel Pery, president of Neoline, said that “the offer brought by Neopolia and its members is the best technically and economically. Their ability to listen to the shipowner’s needs has enabled them to bring appropriate technical proposals, as well as an organisation able to respond to the constraints of an innovative project like Neoline.”
Local partner
He added: “In addition, we are very pleased to have been able to select the construction offer of a local player, because we are convinced that sailing propulsion is a new sector of excellence for French shipbuilding, with strong development potential.”
Neoline is developing a new transport service based on the operation of innovative ro-ro sailing vessels, saving 80% to 90% of consumption and the associated carbon footprint. Scheduled to start up in 2021, the first line will connect Saint-Nazaire to the American east coast and Saint-Pierre & Miquelon.
The company previously announced it had entered into a partnership with the Renault Group to transport Renault cars aboard new build Neoliners on a France-Canada route.
By Rebecca Jeffrey