On this January 18, 2023 NEOLINE Armateur announces the effective launch of the construction of its first Neoliner.

 

• The first Neoliner is supported and co-financed by CMA CGM, ADEME Investissement, NEOLINE Développement, Corsica Ferries, Louis Hardy S.A.S, the Banque des Territoires and the Pays de la Loire Region. The share of bank financing is provided by the Crédit Industriel et Commercial (CIC) and guaranteed by the Public Bank of Investment (BPI).

• The ship, built by the RMK MARINE shipyard

• The Neoliner will be the first one equipped with a SolidSail rigging system, supplied by Chantiers de l’Atlantique.

 

A financing combining private and public partners

 

With a budget of more than 60 million euros, the financing of the first Neoliner was achieved, for the equity part, thanks to the CMA CGM Group, ADEME Investissement, NEOLINE Développement, Corsica Ferries and Louis Hardy SAS (a Saint-Pierre-and-Miquelon company).

Additional financing have also been granted by the Banque des Territoires, in the form of bonds for €3.8 million, and by the Pays de la Loire Region, through a reimbursable advance of €1.3M.

The bank part of the financing is provided by the Crédit Industriel et Commercial (CIC), in the form of a tax lease. This financing is covered by a Strategic Projects Guarantee, granted by Bpifrance Assurance Export.

EDF is also participating in the project through the specific agreement to issue Energy Savings Certificates (CEE) signed in 2019, which constituted an unprecedented first in the application of CEE in the shipping sector.

NEOLINE Développement, the initiating company of the project (held in majority by its founders and first investors through the holding NEOLINE & Associés), was able to federate several investors so as to bring its share in the financing, namely the community of investors in participatory financing WiSEED, the company ARCAD, as well as the funds Mer Invest and Pays de la Loire Participations.

 Emilie Espanet, Director of the CMA CGM Energy Fund: «The CMA CGM Group, which aims to achieve Net Zero Carbon by 2050, has been fully involved for many years in developing projects and prototypes to accelerate the decarbonization of the maritime sector. Given the importance of the challenges, we are convinced of the need to explore all options. Several technologies will have to coexist to build the decarbonized propulsion solutions of tomorrow.
This is why the CMA CGM Group, thanks to its €1.5 billion Fund for Energies, wanted to become a partner of NEOLINE, whose RORO sailing transport project seems to us to be extremely promising,” said Emilie Espanet, Head of the CMA CGM Fund for Energies.»

A large sailing cargo ship, pioneer of the energy transition in the shipping industry

The 136-meter-long Ro-Ro vessel Neoliner, with two 76-meter-high SolidSail folding carbon masts and retractable anti-drift plans, will be mainly propelled by its
3000sqm sail area. For port maneuvers and punctuality of service, the vessel will also be equipped with an auxiliary engine and MGO (Marine Gasoil) desulfurized
generators (each exhaust will be equipped with SCR, Selective Catalytic Reduction, to suppress Nox emissions) as well as 3 transverse thrusters.

Its loading capacity will be 1200 linear meters (2.8m wide), or 265 TEU, for a maximum weight of 5300 tons of goods.

Its crew will be composed of 13 people (it can be increased to 20 in order to embark trainees and technicians) and the vessel will comfortably accommodate 12 passengers in 6 double cabins.

To build this new generation merchant sailing cargo ship, the RMK MARINE shipyard will carry out this construction thanks to a group of innovative French partners including Chantiers de l’Atlantique, designer and supplier of the innovative SolidSail rigging system ; MAURIC, in charge of design studies, regulatory and performance studies for NEOLINE’s range of ships ; D-ICE Engineering, a Nantes-based deeptech company that develops advanced routing, navigation, piloting and monitoring systems specially adapted to wind propulsion systems ; or Fouré Lagadec, designer and manufacturer of retractable anti-drift fins. In total, more than 30% of the construction price will benefit French companies.

Adnan Nefesoğlu, Président Directeur Général de RMK MARINE: “The International Maritime Organization (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 the projects we realize. 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 Armateur for the construction of commercial sailing Ro-Ro vessel Neoliner – which will operate mainly with the propulsion power of the wind energy – is an important indication of our environmentally friendly production understanding.
Following the signing of the Letter of Intent on the 5^th of 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 into 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 on the global market, and the awareness and reliability we have created in the sector and with the support of our esteemed Client and our solution partners.”

Laurent Castaing, CEO of Chantiers de l’Atlantique :
«SolidSail is a revolutionary technology that the teams of the Chantiers de l’Atlantique have thought out and developed with passion and conviction over the past ten years. It is with great pride that we see what started as an ambitious research and development project come to life and be deployed on cargo ships. Chantiers de l’Atlantique would like to thank NEOLINE for its confidence, which confirms the intuition of Chantiers de l’Atlantique and the relevance of this innovative concept. This project allows us to think collectively about new possibilities for shipping, in line with the challenges of our time.”

For leading its ambitious project from the first sketches in 2011 to the construction stage, NEOLINE has been able to develop with and for its first customers committed to the decarbonization of their supply chains, an economically and ecologically efficient solution for decarbonized shipping on a transatlantic line. In parallel, NEOLINE has structured itself to bring investors and financiers on board.

 

Jean Zanuttini, CEO of NEOLINE:

“Here we are, the first Neoliner will come to life… For the whole team NEOLINE, its founders, its technical partners, its customers and its financiers, this announcement is the accomplishment of a passionate, persevering and determined work. It is indeed the first achievement of a more than 10-year project, and it is therefore with pleasure that I warmly thank and salute their exceptional commitment at all levels around the project.

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…

Through the construction and commissioning of this first Neoliner, our foremost objective is to demonstrate under real operational conditions the potential of main propulsion by wind for the Merchant Navy. Our second objective is to repeat this success as quickly as possible, by encouraging the creation of an entire fleet powered by the force of wind as a main propeller. 

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.”

 

About NEOLINE

NEOLINE Développement

Founded in 2015 by a group of maritime professionals convinced of the necessary evolution of shipping towards a more responsible maritime transport, NEOLINE Développement aims to embark the maritime transport towards energy sobriety, by developing new transport services with innovative vessels equipped with a main propulsion system using sails to move towards a zero emission policy. NEOLINE Développement is held in majority by the holding of founding shareholders NEOLINE & Associés and is supported by the Pays de la Loire Region and the BPI.

 

NEOLINE Armateur

Created in 2021 by NEOLINE Développement, NEOLINE Armateur is the shipowning company that will operate the first vessel NEOLINER, a Ro-Ro cargo ship with a wind propulsion, on the transatlantic pilot line between Saint-Nazaire, Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, Baltimore and Halifax with a monthly departure starting in 2025. French flagship companies, such as Renault Group, Beneteau Group, Manitou Group, Michelin, Jas Hennessy & Co, Clarins, Longchamp or Rémy Cointreau are among the first customers, pioneering shippers of this new line between France and North America.

www.neoline.eu

 

Kit media : https://www.neoline.eu/kit-media-neoline/

Press Release in PDF :  PRNeolineJanuary2023

Press contact: Pauline Choteau pauline@padampadampadam.fr 0033 2 51 86 19 06 | 0033 7 50 01 83 78

 

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*** DOSSIER “Neoliner&Partners” ***

Partners in the construction of the first Neoliner and its entry into service on the France-Americas pilot line in 2025

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Presentation & quotes : Partners in the construction of the first Neoliner and its entry into service on the France-Americas pilot line in 2025

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1. Investors & financials partners

• CMA CGM Group
  

Headed by Rodolphe Saadé, the CMA CGM Group, a global player in maritime, land, air and logistics solutions, serves more than 420 ports worldwide on five continents, with a fleet of 584 vessels. In 2021, the Group transported 22 million TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) containers. With its subsidiary CEVA Logistics, a global logistics player that has transported 474,000 tons of air freight and more than 21 million tons of land freight, and its air freight division CMA CGM AIR CARGO, the CMA CGM Group is constantly innovating to provide its customers with a complete and ever more efficient offer thanks to new maritime, land, air and logistics solutions. Committed to the energy transition in maritime transport and a pioneer in the use of alternative fuels, CMA CGM has set itself a Net Zero Carbon target by 2050. Through the CMA CGM Foundation, the Group helps thousands of children each year as part of its actions in favor of education for all and equal opportunities. The CMA CGM Foundation also takes action in the event of humanitarian crises requiring an emergency response by mobilizing the Group’s maritime and logistical expertise to deliver humanitarian supplies around the world. With a presence in 160 countries through its network of more than 400 offices and 750 warehouses, the Group employs 150,000 people worldwide, including nearly 4,000 in Marseilles where its headquarters are located.

Emilie Espanet, Director of the CMA CGM Energy Fund: «The CMA CGM Group, which aims to achieve Net Zero Carbon by 2050, has been fully involved for many years in developing projects and prototypes to accelerate the decarbonization of the maritime sector. Given the importance of the challenges, we are convinced of the need to explore all options. Several technologies will have to coexist to build the decarbonized propulsion solutions of tomorrow.
This is why the CMA CGM Group, thanks to its €1.5 billion Fund for Energies, wanted to become a partner of NEOLINE, whose RORO sailing transport project seems to us to be extremely promising,” said Emilie Espanet, Head of the CMA CGM Fund for Energies.»

 

 

• ADEME Investissement

Created in December 2018 as part of the Programme d’investissements d’avenir (PIA), steered by the Secrétariat Général pour l’Investissement (SGPI), ADEME Investissement, wholly owned by the French government, is a public tool for equity financing of innovative infrastructure projects in the field of energy and ecological transition alongside private investors.

About ADEME Investissement:

ADEME Investissement was created in December 2018 as part of the Programme d’Investissements d’Avenir and now integrated into France 2030, led by the General Secretariat for Investment. A company wholly owned by the State, it aims to provide equity financing for innovative infrastructure projects in the field of energy and ecological transition alongside private players. Its purpose is to alleviate the financing difficulties of so-called “first commercial” units. It has a budget of 400 million euros.

Learn more: https://www.ademe-investissement.fr/ 

About France 2030: The France 2030 investment plan

 

• Translates a dual ambition: to sustainably transform key sectors of our economy (health, energy, automotive, aeronautics or even space) through technological innovation, and to position France not just as a player, but as a leader in the world of tomorrow. From basic research, to the emergence of an idea to the production of a new product or service, France 2030 supports the entire life cycle of innovation up to its industrialization.
• Is unprecedented in its scale: €54 billion will be invested so that our companies, universities, and research organizations fully succeed in their transitions in these strategic sectors. The challenge is to enable them to respond competitively to the ecological and attractiveness challenges of the coming world, and to bring out the future champions of our sectors of excellence. France 2030 is defined by two cross-cutting objectives consisting of devoting 50% of its spending to decarbonizing the economy, and 50% to emerging players, carriers of innovation without spending unfavorable to the environment (in the sense of the Do No Significant Harm principle).
• Will be implemented collectively: designed and deployed in consultation with economic, academic, local and European players to determine the strategic directions and flagship actions. Project leaders are invited to submit their applications via open, demanding and selective procedures in order to benefit from the State’s support.
• Is steered by the General Secretariat for Investment on behalf of the Prime Minister and implemented by the Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME), the National Research Agency (ANR), Bpifrance and the Banque des Territoires.
•  pour le compte de la Première ministre et mis en œuvre par l’Agence de la transition écologique (ADEME), l’Agence nationale de la recherche (ANR), Bpifrance et la Banque des Territoires.

More : https://www.gouvernement.fr/france-2030 | @SGPI_avenir

Speakers : Philippe Jusserand, Banque des territoires – Jean-Philippe Guillon, CIC – Karine Mérère, ADEME Investissement Director – Philippe Renaudin, Mer Invest – Pierre Mattei, Corsica Ferries

Karine Mérère, Managing Director of ADEME Investissement: “The IMO has set a target of reducing GHG emissions from maritime transport by 50% by 2050. To achieve this decarbonization objective, the use of sailing propulsion is a promising solution for the sector and is already available. ADEME Investissement is therefore pleased to co-finance the first ro-ro vessel mainly propelled by sail (Solid Sails technology from Chantiers de l’Atlantique) aiming at a massive reduction of GHG emissions compared to a conventional solution. This project should confirm the technical and commercial value proposition of the Neoline project leader under standard commercial operating conditions between Europe and the United States. We are convinced that if validated, the Neoliner will be a real showcase project in France and internationally and will have a knock-on effect within the vessel industry but also in the shipping sector in general. »

 

 

 

 

 

• CIC Structured Finance:

Etablished in 1993 , Structured Finance department of Credit Industriel et Commercial (CIC), subsidiary of Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale, covers five business lines including: Asset Finance, Project Finance , Acquisition Finance, Securitization and Syndication through Paris, NYC and Singapore offices. The team includes 145 professionals who bring a global expertise to CIC clients on a worldwide basis.

CIC has been  active in shipping finance for more than 20 years and offers a large range of financing solutions in order to cover clients’  asset investment needs. A particular focus is made on maritime  green projects, in line with the objective of Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale as a “mission” bank who wants to be a major player in the financing of green, sustainable projects with societal impact and being close to innovative local actors.

www.cic-structuredfinance.eu

From left : Philippe Jusserand Banque des Territoires, Jean-Philippe Guillon CIC, Karine Mérère ADEME Investissement, Philippe Renaudin Mer Invest

Jean-Philippe Guillon, Head of Structured Finance: « Crédit Industriel et Commercial is proud to contribute to the financing of the first vessel to be built by Néoline, that we consider a significant milestone in maritime transportation history and in the necessary shift to have a  greener shipping transportation sector. This financing is perfectly in line with the objectives of Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale, mission bank which is our mother company, who aims at being a key player in the financing of green, sustainable projects with societal impact and being close to innovative local actors.”

 

• Corsica Ferries

Corsica Ferries is the 7th largest ferry company in the world in terms of passenger capacity and the 10th largest in terms of passenger transport capacity. A European company based in Bastia, Corsica Ferries is a leading maritime company in the market for the transport of passengers and vehicles from the European continent (France and Italy) to Corsica, Sardinia, Elba and the Balearic Islands. Its priorities: maintaining the performance of its offer of crossings and services as well as innovation in the service of customer satisfaction and environmental protection. With a fleet of 14 ships, Corsica Ferries serves 22 routes, offers up to 45 crossings per day and carried 3.8 million passengers and 1.3 million vehicles in 2018.

www.corsica-ferries.fr

Pierre Mattei, CEO of Corsica Ferries: “After having limited our carbon footprint as much as possible, it is now essential to turn to alternatives to fossil fuels. New options are opening up today with green hydrogen and velvet propulsion. As a responsible shipowner, we owe it to ourselves to accompany the energy transition by supporting these solutions of the future, which are veritable laboratories for the propulsion of tomorrow’s maritime transport.”

 

• Louis Hardy S.A.S.

The Hardy family has been importing and distributing hydrocarbons in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon since 1919.

https://www.hardysas.com

 

• WiSEED

WiSEED is the reference player in crowdfunding in France. Specialist in digital investment, the platform offers investors the opportunity to optimize their savings in tangible impact assets in the form of bonds, shares or equity securities and offers unlisted companies fast, flexible and innovative financing solutions. Since its creation in 2008, WiSEED has collected more than €400 million for nearly 900 projects from its community of investors. Through its subsidiary WiSEED Transitions, it finances projects that actively contribute to energy and environmental transition. WiSEED is approved as an investment company by the ACPR and the only French platform to benefit from the status of PSI (Investment Services Provider).

Romain Baronnet, Business Developer: “Our crowdfunding platform has historically been committed to serving start-ups and SMEs that innovate in the field of energy transition and green growth. NEOLINE is a pioneering company that relies on nearly 10 years of research and studies, and on the cutting-edge expertise of its team. The numerous industrial, financial and commercial partnerships forged by NEOLINE very quickly convinced WiSEED and its community of investors. We are delighted to board the Neoliner and continue, within Neoline Development, our contribution to low-carbon maritime transport carried out by a high-level team. »

www.wiseed.com

 

 

• MER INVEST

Mer Invest was launched to encourage the development of maritime and coastal activities in French Western regions. Investments target all activities related to the blue economy. This fund was created by the Banque Populaire Grand Ouest  group through its brand Crédit Maritime Grand Ouest and it aims to invest €10 million. It is a 100% subsidiary of Banque Populaire Grand Ouest and its operations are outsourced to GO Capital.

https://www.labanquebleue.fr/solutions/professionnels-entreprises/mer-invest/

 

 

 

• Pays de Loire Participation (PLP) :

The Pays de la Loire Region’s co-investment fund is designed to support the start-up, development or transfer phase of the region’s VSEs and SMEs through equity and quasi-equity investments of between €100,000 and €700,000 alongside private financial partners. To date, Pays de la Loire Participations has participated in the capital of 102 Loire companies, 70 of which are in active portfolios. For its interventions, PLP benefits from the legal and administrative operational partnership as well as the financial expertise of Siparex, an independent private equity company with a dedicated team based in Nantes.

 

For Philippe Maestripieri, President of PLP: “The Néoline project illustrates the capacity of a territory to implement the innovations necessary to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s economy. It is fully in line with the missions entrusted to us by the Region, especially since it contributes to the decarbonization of economic development and promotes a virtuous maritime transport”.

Killian du Réau, Investment Officer at Siparex: “Pays de la Loire Participations is delighted to support NEOLINE, a player in the energy transition of maritime transport, in its development project, structuring the regional blue economy.”

 

• Bpifrance and Bpifrance Assurance Export:
  Bpifrance is the French national investment bank: it finances businesses – at every stage of their development – through loans, guarantees, equity investments and export insurances. Bpifrance also provides extra financial services (training, consultancy) to help entrepreneurs meet their challenges (innovation, export…).Bpifrance Assurance Export, a subsidiary of Bpifrance, is the French export credit agency in charge of managing public export guarantees in the name of, on behalf of and under the control of the State. Bpifrance Assurance Export is also active in France through specific products (Internal Insurance, Strategic Projects Insurance).For more information, please visit: https://www.bpifrance.fr/ – Bpifrance | Presse – International Expertise | BpifranceFollow us on Twitter: @Bpifrance – @BpifrancePresse
  For François Lefebvre, Managing Director of Bpifrance Assurance Export : “ Bpifrance is proud to support NEOLINE and the French flag with a Strategic Projects Insurance. This support was essential for the financial closing of the project. For the first time, Bpifrance Assurance Export combines a Strategic Projects Insurance with a lease on a French project and thus embodies the decision of the President of the Republic at the “Assises de l’économie de la Mer” in Nice in September 2021. We are delighted to participate to this project as it promotes the decarbonization of the maritime transport and the development of a new industry in France in the field of wind propulsion.“

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Banque des Territoires  

Set up in 2018, Banque des Territoires is one of Caisse des Dépôts’ five areas of expertise. It brings together within a single structure all of our in-house expertise for local areas. As a one-stop shop for customers, it provides bespoke solutions in terms of consulting and financing through loans and investment to meet the needs of local authorities, social housing bodies, local public undertakings and the legal professions. It has been set up to serve the interests of all local areas alike, from rural municipalities to large cities, with the ambition of combating social inequality and territorial divisions. Banque des Territoires is also rolled out across Caisse des Dépôts’ 16 regional managements and 35 territorial offices so as to resonate more meaningfully with our customers, in their neighbourhoods.

Philippe JUSSERAND, Pays de la Loire Regional Director at Banque des Territoires:  « Ecological and energy transformation issues, especially in sustainable transport are increasing priorities for La Banque des Territoires. Maritime transport decarbonization is an essential, emerging sector which is full of initiatives. We are particularly proud to support Neoline by helping to finance this first ship through bond intervention of €3.8M : this operation combines technological and industrial innovation, energy response and structuring of a sector based on a very dynamic ecosystem of local companies. This mobilization of private and public actors is a great success, which should be warmly welcomed.”

 

 

• EDF :

As a major player in energy transition, the EDF Group is an integrated energy company active in all businesses: generation, transmission, distribution, energy trading, energy sales and energy services. EDF group is a world leader in low-carbon energy, having developed a diverse production mix based mainly on nuclear and renewable energy (including hydropower). It is also investing in new technologies to support energy transition. EDF’s raison d’être is to build a net zero energy future with electricity and innovative solutions and services, to help save the planet and drive well-being and economic development. The Group is involved in supplying energy and services to approximately 38.5 million customers (1), of whom 29.3 million in France (2). It generated consolidated sales of €84.5 billion in 2021. EDF is listed on the Paris Stock Exchange.

Hervé Blanchet, EDF sales and energy services Director explains :  « Applied to the field of maritime transport, the use of wind energy is an innovative solution to contribute to the energy transition. EDF is proud to support NEOLINE in the development of a promising solution to improve the energy performance of its vessels. The construction of this first freighter leads the way to the maritime transport of tomorrow. Neoliner will save 600,000 MWh cumac over 15 years, which is equivalent to the energy consumption of a city of 9,000 inhabitants for 10 years.»

 

 

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2. Chargeurs partenaires du premier cargo voilier Neoliner sur la ligne pilote transatlantique France-Amériques entre Saint Nazaire – Saint Pierre et Miquelon – Baltimore et Halifax dès 2025 (ouverte à tout chargeur)

 

• Renault Group  

Renault Group is at the forefront of reinventing mobility. Backed by its alliance with Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors, and its unique expertise in terms of electrification, Renault Group draws on the complementary nature of its four brands – Renault – Dacia – Alpine and Mobilize – to offer its customers sustainable and innovative mobility solutions. With operations in more than 130 countries, the Group sold 2.7 million vehicles in 2021. It employs nearly 111,000 people who embody its raison d’être on a daily basis, so that mobility brings us closer to one another. Ready to take up challenges on the road as well as in competition, the Group is committed to an ambitious and value-generating transformation. This is centered on the development of new technologies and services, and a new range of even more competitive, balanced and electrified vehicles. In line with environmental challenges, Renault Group’s ambition is to achieve carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040.

Florence Ughetto, sustainable logistics expert, Renault Group: “In 2018, Renault Group joined Neoline’s visionary plan to develop a means of maritime transport by sailing. It is clean, available and free energy. Knowing that shipping represents 60% of the km/vehicle transported by Renault Group, this project is therefore directly part of our strategy to decarbonize the supply chain. Changing the energy mix of our transportation systems is one of the levers of this strategy, moving from fossil fuels to cleaner energies (renewable energy, low carbon, etc.). We are therefore with Neoline to encourage them in this magnificent project. »

https://www.renaultgroup.com/en

 

• Groupe Beneteau

Groupe BENETEAU is the world’s leading player in the marine industry and the European leader in leisure housing. It is committed to a global approach to reducing its impact on the environment. With an international industrial presence and a worldwide sales network, the Group has 7,500 employees. Groupe BENETEAU exports nearly 80% of the boats built in Europe and the North American market represents nearly 35% of its sales. The exceptional dimensions of its boats, the need to preserve their quality at each stage of transport and to reduce their emissions, make this flow a real logistical challenge.

 Delphine Planes – Purchasing Director of the BENETEAU Group: “As the world’s leading manufacturer of pleasure yachts, the use of sails in the world of maritime transport seemed obvious to us. NEOLINE offers a tailor-made solution, ecologically and economically relevant for the transatlantic flows of the BENETEAU Group. With loading as close as possible to our shipyards, the Neoline solution allows us to reduce by 75%* the GHG emissions of the transport of the boats that are eligible* “.

 

• Manitou Group

Manitou Group, a world reference in the handling, aerial work platform and earth moving sectors, designs, produces, distributes and services equipment for the construction, the agriculture and the industries.

Already rewarded several times for its active approach to reducing emissions, Manitou Group has found in the transport solution developed by NEOLINE, a logistics service offer adapted to its specific transport needs, and capable of significantly contributing to the reduction of its carbon footprint while supporting the group’s international growth.

 

Michel Denis, Managing Director of Manitou Group: “We are proud to participate in this innovative project. The construction of this first sailing freighter represents an opportunity to significantly reduce our carbon emissions linked to transatlantic transport, and to support our growth in the North American market, to which we export many ranges of machines manufactured in our 6 industrial sites based in France”.

Shippers Partners : Michel Denis, CEO MANITOU Group – Mathieu Testud, Supplychan Director Hennessy – Marielle Cochard, Director Supplychain Longchamp

David Bechemilh – Transport & Customs Group Manager at Manitou Group: « It is essential for Manitou Group to be able to access efficient and responsible transport solutions. NEOLINE’s proposal is fully in line with our operational needs and our ambitious low-carbon pathway set up in 2022. Reducing sea freight emissions is one of the objectives of the transport roadmap for the group. With this service, we will maintain similar delivery times while optimizing pre-routing from our plants in the Grand Ouest to the port of Nantes – Saint-Nazaire. »

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Jas Hennessy & Co

 

 Jas Hennessy & Co, the world leader in cognac, has been operating around the world for more than 250 years with exceptional know-how. Jas Hennessy & Co is the flagship of the LVMH Group and a major contributor to French foreign trade. The brand, which is present in more than 160 countries, exports 99% of its production, mainly by sea to the North American market, and contributes to France’s international reputation.

Jas Hennessy & Co has long been committed to a global approach to reducing its impact on the environment and biodiversity, and favors sustainable operating methods as well as the most virtuous modes of transportation.

Mathieu Testud, Supplychain Director Hennessy
Michel Denis, CEO MANITOU Group

Mathieu Testud – Supply Chain Jas Hennessy & Co Director:

“The collaboration with NEOLINE allows us to take a new step in terms of sustainable transport: each 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 historical shipping system by sea and rail (94% of Jas Hennessy & Co’s modes of transport, with road transport representing 5% and air transport less than 1%).

« – We are very happy to have been at Neoline’s side from the beginning of the adventure, congratulations to the whole team for this construction contract signature. Hennessy Cognacs export very well (99% of the production is exported) and the United States is the leading market, so this transatlantic line is very relevant for us. Hennessy has the ambition to reduce its carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 on scope 3 (which includes transport), the Neoline solution is part of this environmental approach. It is a nod to history and to our heritage, because our Cognacs have been exported since the 18th century, and it was then by sail and in barrels. Neoline brings modern technology (routing, rigging) to a historic sailing solution »

 

 

• Michelin

Michelin is a world leader in tire manufacturing and aims to improve its customers’ mobility in a sustainable way.
Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in 170 countries, employs more than 127,000 people and operates 69 tire plants that together produced approximately 200 million tires in 2019. Also a leader in the mobility sector, Michelin develops services and solutions to improve transportation efficiency as well as high-tech materials for a wide range of applications. All Michelin Group sites have set an ambitious goal of zero CO2 emissions by 2050.

 

Pierre-Martin Huet – Head of Group Michelin’ Supply Chain : « At Michelin, we are convinced that our sustainable strategy is essential to meet today’s challenges and create a better path for tomorrow. And with NEOLINE, Michelin is moving from ambition to action. This initiative, which promotes innovation around carbon-free transportation, is fully in line with the company’s CSR – Supply Chain strategy and will actively contribute to achieving the objective of reducing CO2 emissions by 15% in absolute terms between 2018 and 2030. »

 

• Clarins

Clarins SAS is a French family-owned company specialized in beauty. With two strong brands, CLARINS and MY BLEND, we offer differentiating products and services. Present in more than 150 countries through our 28 subsidiaries, we employ over 8,500 people. Although 90% of our products are exported, we continue to produce and develop the majority of our products in France. We are proud of our heritage, which combines entrepreneurial spirit, agility and curiosity, and are committed to promoting responsible beauty in order to ensure that our actions are sustainable.  Our CSR mission ClarinsWeCare covers all the group’s activities. It is based on two principles: caring for people and caring for the planet. It meets the requirements of our raison d’être: “To make life more beautiful, to transmit a more beautiful world”.

Yann Le Gouic – Clarins Transport and Logistics Manager: “At Clarins, caring for the planet is an integral part of the company’s philosophy, a way of thinking at all times. The group’s commitment to reduce its carbon footprint by 30% by 2025 involves responsible purchasing, particularly in terms of transport. Each of us is aware of this and has been trained in it. Neoline’s innovative and carbon-free solution perfectly meets our responsible objectives, our values and our logistic needs. It will fit perfectly into our shipping system to our American subsidiary. This is the beginning of a new era of environmentally friendly ocean freight. We are proud to be actors of change alongside them and thus contribute to making life more beautiful, transmitting a more beautiful world.”

 

 

• Longchamp

Authenticity, Sincerity, Energy, Optimism are the values at the heart of the Longchamp promise. Since 1948, Longchamp, manufacturer of leather-wrapped objects, has extended its know-how as a leather craftsman to the production of handbags, ready-to-wear, accessories and luggage in an environmentally friendly manner. Sophie Delafontaine, Artistic Director, perpetuates this heritage and develops her vision of the Parisian woman with a fluid and colorful style for a cosmopolitan clientele always on the move. Each season, Longchamp reinvents the French art of living.

Preserving its independent family origins, and its know-how in its workshops in Maine-et-Loire, the House of Longchamp has been owned and run by the Cassegrain family for four generations. Today, it has more than 300 boutiques in 80 countries.

Marielle Cochard – Supply Chain Director: «The Neoline project, a mix of Optimism, Adventure, Energy and Know-How, perfectly echoes the philosophy of our House.  As a long time user of maritime transport for our exports to the United States, our agreement with Neoline is a natural complement to our global decarbonization approach. Longchamp has always been committed to making products that last over time; thanks to this partnership, we are moving to a new stage in our ecological commitment to the transportation of our goods. This partnership is a positive and strong sign for our transport and logistics teams and for the new generations of employees. The geographical proximity of our companies, located in the West of France, brings a complementary synergy. We are proud and happy to work for a cleaner future by participating in this great adventure. We are looking forward to the departure of our first containers!»

 

Marielle Cochard, Supplychain Director Longchamp

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Rémy Cointreau

All around the world, there are clients seeking exceptional experiences; clients for whom a wide range of terroirs means a variety of flavors. Their exacting standards are proportional to our expertise – the finely-honed skills that we pass down from generation to generation. The time these clients devote to drinking our products is a tribute to all those who have worked to develop them. It is for these men and women that Rémy Cointreau, a family-owned French Group, protects its terroirs, cultivates exceptional multi-centenary spirits and undertakes to preserve their eternal modernity. It is therefore throughout our sphere of responsibility – from our terroirs to the responsible consumption of our products – that we are committed to acting and promoting more sustainable practices: this is our roadmap “L’Exception Sustainable “.

Alain Borne, Rémy Cointreau Supply Chain Director: “The Group’s portfolio includes 14 singular brands, such as the Rémy Martin and Louis XIII cognacs, and Cointreau liqueur. While we mainly produce in Europe, our consumers are often located on the American and Asian continents. Thus, reducing our carbon emissions related to the transport of our bottles has been an obsession of the Group for several years. Today, more than 80% of the tonne-kilometres traveled by the Group’s products are already “maritime”, an option with less emissions than other means of transport. However, through its partnership with NEOLINE and other consortia, Rémy Cointreau wishes to support the decarbonization of the maritime sector of tomorrow.”

 

 

Other shippers have also signed on with NEOLINE, among them:

• La Fournée Dorée

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 3. Partenaires techniques de la construction du premier Neoliner 136m propulsé par Solidsail

 

 

• RMK MARINE (Tuzla, Turquie)

RMK MARINE is one of the leading companies of the Turkish Shipbuilding Industry with its high-tech projects and at international standards, its corporate identity and infrastructure facilities. RMK MARINE, which has continuously improved its business volume and expertise since 1997, when it joined Koç Holding, Turkey’s largest industrial and services group, offers turnkey solutions in the production of Super Yachts, Naval and Commercial Ships in national and international markets as its main fields of business activity.

www.rmkmarine.com

Adnan Nefesoğlu RMK MARINE
Laurent Castaing, Chantiers de l’Atlantique

Adnan Nefesoğlu, RMK MARINE’s CEO, stated that : “The International Maritime Organization (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 the projects we realize. 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 Armateur for the construction of commercial sailing Ro-Ro vessel Neoliner – which will operate mainly with the propulsion power of the wind energy – is an important indication of our environmentally friendly production understanding. Following the signing of the Letter of Intent on the 5^th of 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 into 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 on the global market, and the awareness and reliability we have created in the sector and with the support of our esteemed Client and our solution partners.”

 

• Chantiers de l’Atlantique (Saint Nazaire, France)

 

 Thanks to the expertise of its teams and its network of subcontractors, associated with its first-rate industrial facilities, Chantiers de l’Atlantique is a key leader in the fields of design, integration, testing and turnkey delivery of cruise ships, naval vessels, electrical substations for offshore wind farms and services to the fleets. The company is at the core of the challenges of tomorrow, designing and building today ships whose environmental performance exceeds the most drastic standards, as well as equipment for offshore wind power that make it a major player in the energy transition.

 

 

 

Press Conference Neoliner and Partners – Technicals : Adnan Nefesoğlu RMK MARINE, Laurent Castaing Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Vincent Seguin MAURIC

Laurent Castaing, CEO of Chantiers de l’Atlantique: « Chantiers de l’Atlantique has brought together the expertise of its partners Lorima, Multiplast, Avel Robotics, CDK Technologies and SMM in a consortium of French companies that has already enabled the production and delivery of a first large carbon mast on December 9, 2022, and is planning to build a factory in Morbihan in the near future in order to industrialize the production of these innovative, non-standard masts and to support the rapid development of France’s wind propulsion industry.

Laurent Castaing, CEO of Chantiers de l’Atlantique: “SolidSail is a revolutionary technology that the teams at Chantiers de l’Atlantique have thought out and developed with passion and conviction over the last ten years. It is with great pride that we see what started as an ambitious research and development project come to life and be deployed on cargo ships. Chantiers de l’Atlantique would like to thank NEOLINE for its confidence, which confirms the intuition of Chantiers de l’Atlantique and the relevance of this innovative concept. This project allows us to think collectively about new possibilities for maritime transport, in line with the challenges of our time.»

Chantiers de l’Atlantique has brought together the expertise of its partners Lorima, Multiplast, Avel Robotics, CDK Technologies and SMM in a consortium of French companies that has already enabled the production and delivery of a first large carbon mast on December 9, 2022, and is planning to build a factory in Morbihan in the near future in order to industrialize the production of these innovative, non-standard masts and to support the rapid development of France’s wind propulsion industry.

This first mast is currently installed for a test period at the quay in Saint-Nazaire and will then be sent to the shipyard in Tuzla to be installed on the first Neoliner with RMK MARINE.

www.chantiers-atlantique.com

 

• MAURIC
  MAURIC is a naval architecture and engineering company, subsidiary of EXAIL TECHNOLOGIES group. With more than 75 years of experience and about thirty naval architects, engineers and draughtmen, MAURIC is one of the European leaders in the field of design and engineering of professional, service and cargo vessels. MAURIC develops innovative vessel solutions, oriented towards operational performance and decarbonization. MAURIC is in charge of the basic design and engineering of the Neoliner 136 but also rules compliance and performance studies of the Neoline’s range of vessels. Vincent Seguin – Naval architect and Chief Executive Officer of MAURIC : « Engineer graduated in Hydrodynamics and Naval  Architect, he has made and managed the various concept design studies performed by MAURIC since 2016, that led to the final version of Neoliner 136, integrating the Solid Sail rig of Chantiers de l’Atlantique.

Vincent Seguin – Naval architect and Chief Executive Officer of MAURIC: “MAURIC is proud to be a partner of NEOLINE for many years and to have contributed to developing this innovative sailing cargo concept. Since 2016 and the first sketches, we have unwavering supported the NEOLINE team, in order to validate the feasibility and performance of the NEOLINER 136. Today, we congratulate the entire NEOLINE team for successfully completing this very difficult stage of financial arrangements and contract signature. The Neoliner was until now a shipowner’s dream, it is now a reality!

More than 5000 hours of studies have been devoted to this project by MAURIC and have contributed to this signature announcement. During this development process, the integration of the Solid Sail rig from Chantiers de l’Atlantique, a few months ago, was an essential step. It has secured the NEOLINER project and her performances;

MAURIC is proud to be the naval architect of a new concept of cargo vessel which is the precursor of the zero-emission cargo ships of the future. NEOLINE, CHANTIERS DE L’ATLANTIQUE and MAURIC have now the opportunity to convince the maritime shipping industry of the relevance of sail propulsion technologies for large merchant ships. In 2025, the ship will be tested at sea and operated on the North Atlantic… and will be able to confirm our models and will allow further progress in the development of sail-powered ships. This vessel will be both efficient, easy to sail with a reduced crew, punctual and regular at stopovers and, above all, energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

Thanks to the Néoliner project, MAURIC is reviving a long experience of sailing ships started almost 80 years ago by its founder André Mauric. Today subsidiary of EXAIL TECHNOLOGIES, a group that puts innovation at the center of its development, the realization of this project is emblematic of the investments devoting by MAURIC in order to design more efficient ships with a low environmental impact. Our investment strategy is awarded : with approximately 10% to 15% of our turnover invested each year in R&D, we develop new type of vessels intended to be safer, more efficient and  environmental friendly :  improved hull performance, innovative propulsion systems, improvement of structures, decarbonization and use of renewable energies, etc. are at the heart of our research and development.

A crucial step has been taken with this contract signature, but we still have a number of challenges to carry out in 2023 and in the future, in collaboration henceforth with the RMK Marine shipyard. Indeed MAURIC will be in charge of the general studies of the Neoliner 136, in close collaboration with the RMK shipyard teams who will be responsible for its industrialization. The teams have already enthusiastically started the engineering process, and we are now all focused on the first milestones that will allow the first plate cutting after the summer: model tests in basin, structural design, integration of the rigging system, engineering of propulsion, etc.

Many challenges await us!”

 https://www.mauric.com/

 

 

 

• D-ICE engineering (Nantes, France)

Founded by scientists and engineers passionate about the oceans, D-ICE Engineering is a deeptech company born in 2015 in Nantes with the ambition to contribute to three major challenges of the maritime and marine energy sectors : reducing the carbon footprint, improving safety in sea and the production of clean energy. Propelled by a team of ~25 engineers and PhDs in hydrodynamics, applied mathematics, robotics, control, artificial intelligence, system engineering and software engineering, D-ICE develops numerical multiphysics tools for modelling and simulating complex systems at sea as well as innovative systems for navigation, control, optimization and decision support of marine assets.

https://dice-engineering.com

 

• Fouré Lagadec (Le Havre, France)

With 50 years of experience, Fouré Lagadec Marine designs, builds, modernises and ensures the maintenance of anti-roll stabilizers around the world. Integral Part of Fouré Lagadec Group since 2003, Fouré Lagadec Marine benefits of 30 years’ experience coming from Atelier et Chantiers du Havre Engineering Department. Fouré Lagadec Marine team intervenes on Cruise ships, ferries, or naval vessels all around the world for assistance or scheduled dry-docks, main target is always to provide a complete, reactive and efficient service. Decided to work on carbon footprint reduction, Fouré Lagadec Marine now developed a full range of retractable daggerboards. With growing of sails cargo ships, as Neoline, Necessity appears for efficient anti-drift systems.

Nicolas Fehrenbach – CEO Fouré Lagadec :  Neoline project is firmly looking to the future. It shows desire to meet today’s challenges with a wise mix of innovation and industrial experience. Fouré Lagadec Marine has been following the project since its beginnings.  It’s a real pride to participate building of this vessel and bring our experience associated to our development and manufacturing capacities. Neoliner daggerboards will be designed in our offices in Le Havre, mounting and testing of equipment will also be done there before delivery. This year, we are celebrating the 20^th anniversary of resumption of ACH engineering activity, builder of first sails cruise ships, it is a nice nod to mark the occasion with this project.

http://www.fourelagadec.com/

 

• ABC Anglo Belgian Corporation

Anglo Belgian Corporation (ABC), founded in 1912 and located in Ghent, Belgium, is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of medium speed engines, with a power range from 600 kW to 10.5 MW. We develop innovative solutions for power generation and freight transport. ABC engines and generators are designed for heavy-duty use and offer outstanding performance in the most difficult and demanding conditions. Durability, reliability and simplicity of design are our goals. More than 100 years of international engine manufacturing experience provides exceptional expertise and competence. ABC focuses on research, development and innovation. Alternative fuels (biofuels, methanol, hydrogen, CNG, LNG, …) with low carbon footprint and hybrid systems are our daily business. Our commitment is always customer-oriented and aims to help them make future-proof choices. We are flexible, always at your service and attentive to your specific needs.

www.abc-engines.com.

 

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Press Conference Pictures :

 

The NEOLINE team warmly thanks the nearly 200 people, partners and media, who were present (in a very short time) to animate with us this press conference on the occasion of the construction of our first Neoliner.
Thank you to all those who have mobilized to bring the Neoliner to life and who are involved, in one way or another, for the return of the great commercial yachts. Sail must go on!

 

NEOLINE contact:

Bénédicte Enaux b.enaux@neoline.eu

+33 9 81 23 16 37| +33 6 08 51 02 43