Société de Transport de Marchandises International : Neoline, Pioneer in Sustainable Maritime Transport

Founded in 2015 by former sailors convinced of the necessary evolution of shipping, this Nantes-based company is revolutionizing the sector with a unique approach combining operational excellence and environmental responsibility. Neoline embodies the new generation of international freight transport companies, combining technological innovation and energy sobriety.

Company profile: An innovative transport company

Strategic vision and mission

Neoline stands out as an international freight forwarding company with the ambition of developing industrial shipping that respects planetary limits.
Since its creation, the company has focused on energy sobriety and the use of renewable energies, in particular marine propulsion, to structurally transform industry standards.

This international freight forwarding company is committed to zero-emission transport, while providing cost stability for its customers. This strategic vision responds to the need to decarbonize international logistics chains, positioning Neoline as a key player in the maritime energy transition.

Governance and organizational structure

As an international freight forwarding company, Neoline benefits from a solid governance structure with Neoline Développement held at 75% by the founding shareholder holding company Neoline & Associés, supported by the Pays de la Loire Region and the BPI. This capital structure guarantees the strategic independence and investment capacity required for international development.

Neoline Armateur, created in 2021, is the operational shipowning company operating Neoliner Origin on the transatlantic pilot line. This two-headed organization optimizes the development and operational aspects characteristic of modern international freight forwarding companies.

Technological and operational excellence

Maritime innovation

Our international freight forwarding company relies on excellent technological partnerships with Chantiers de l’Atlantique for Solid Sail watercraft systems, Mauric for naval architecture, and D-ICE Engineering for weather routing. This collaboration with the French maritime innovation ecosystem guarantees technological mastery and a competitive edge.

Neoliner Origin, the flagship vessel of this international freight transport company, incorporates cutting-edge technologies: 1,050 m² rigid sails in composite materials, 66-meter folding carbon masts, retractable anti-drift planes. This technical excellence enables fuel savings of 80-90% compared with conventional solutions.

International operational capabilities

As an international freight forwarding company, Neoline is developing operational capabilities tailored to the demands of the global market. Neoliner Origin has 5,300 tonnes of freight capacity spread over 1,200 linear metres, with remarkable flexibility for oversized parcels up to 9.8 metres high and 200 tonnes.

This international freight forwarding company operates a regular monthly service between Saint-Nazaire and two strategic destinations: Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon and Baltimore. This geographical coverage optimizes access to North American markets for European exporters.

International competitive positioning?

Strategic differentiation

Neoline stands out in the ecosystem of international freight transport companies for its revolutionary approach to industrial vehicle propulsion.
Unlike traditional players in the sector subject to fluctuating oil prices, this company offers unique fare stability thanks to the absence of fuel surcharges (BAF).

This international freight transport company meets new international regulatory requirements, in particular the International Maritime Organization’s objectives of reducing GHG emissions to zero by 2050. This regulatory foresight is a decisive competitive advantage on the international market.

Network of industrial partners

The credibility of this international freight forwarding company is underpinned by a portfolio of prestigious customers including Manitou Group, Hennessy, Longchamp, Clarins and Renault. These partnerships with industry leaders testify to the operational maturity and reliability of the services offered.

This international freight forwarding company also benefits from the support of major financial partners: CMA CGM, ADEME Investissement, Corsica Ferries, Louis Hardy S.A.S., Banque des Territoires and Région Pays de la Loire. This solid financial structure guarantees the company’s long-term future and international development.

Sector expertise and services

Business specializations

This international freight forwarding company has developed special expertise in ro-ro transport (roll on – roll off), enabling rapid and secure horizontal loading of vehicles, industrial machinery and heavy equipment: anything that rolls or can be placed on a port trailer. This specialization meets the specific needs of automakers and industrial equipment manufacturers.

As an innovative international freight transport company, Neoline also offers passenger services with 6 cabins of 27 m² each, equipped with private balconies, marketed by Sailcoop. This diversification boosts the profitability of our rotations, while offering a unique customer experience.

Certifications and approvals

This international freight forwarding company complies with the highest maritime safety standards, with a Safety Management System (SMS) guaranteeing the safety of people and goods. The vessel is registered in the French International Register (RIF) with a crew of 13, including 5 French officers.

This international freight forwarding company’s commitment to quality is reflected in its compliance with international logistics standards, enabling the loading of refrigerated containers, dangerous goods according to regulations, and exceptional parcels under optimum safety conditions.

International development vision

Growth strategy

This international freight transport company is preparing its expansion with a sister ship project that will double service frequency (departure every 2 weeks from Saint-Nazaire). This expansion is part of a medium-term vision for the fleet, with the development of larger, specialized vessels to open up new low-carbon lines.

As a forward-looking international freight forwarder, Neoline continues its R&D efforts to integrate operational feedback, minimize the use of fossil fuels and move closer to zero-emission operation. This continuous innovation guarantees a technological lead over the international competition.

Contribution to the marine ecosystem

This international freight forwarding company is one of the pioneers of a particularly dynamic French ecosystem in the field of marine propulsion. Collaborations with equipment manufacturers, shipowners, designers and academics position Neoline as a catalyst for French maritime innovation on the international stage.

The expertise developed by this international freight forwarding company extends beyond its own activities, contributing to the development of a French industry of excellence in sustainable maritime technologies, exportable to international markets.

Neoline freight reference customers

Leading companies trust Neoline for their transatlantic freight: Renault, Bénéteau, Manitou, Hennessy , La Fournée Dorée, Remy Cointreau, Clarins and Longchamp.

Pioneering loaders

Customer testimonials

Leading companies trust Neoline for their transatlantic freight: Renault, Bénéteau, Manitou, Hennessy , La Fournée Dorée, Remy Cointreau, Clarins and Longchamp.

David Bechemilh

Transport and Customs Manager at Manitou Group

"It's vital for Manitou Group to have access to transport solutions that are both efficient and responsible. NEOLINE's proposal is fully in line with our operational needs and our ambitious low-carbon trajectory set for 2022. Reducing sea freight emissions is one of the objectives of the Group's transport roadmap. With this service, we will be able to maintain similar delivery times, while optimizing pre-carriage from our plants in the Grand Ouest region to the port of Nantes - Saint-Nazaire.

Mathieu Testud

Supply Chain Director Jas Hennessy & Co

"The collaboration with NEOLINE enables us to take a new step forward in terms of sustainable transport: every year, 4 million bottles (containerized) will be transported by sailing cargo ship to the USA, the leading market for Hennessy Cognac. This innovative mode of transport will complement our historic shipping system by sea and rail (94% of Jas Hennessy & Co's modes of transport, with road representing 5% and air less than 1%)."

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