(Update : In January 2022, Sogestran decided to quit the project)

Nantes, February 4^th 2020, in parallel with the opening of the Euromaritime Exhibition focused on the ecological transition of the maritime economy :

Sogestran group and the COMPAGNIE MARITIME NANTAISE – MN associate with NEOLINE for the forthcoming construction of its first transatlantic sailing freighter.

On February 4^th 2020, the Sogestran group announces its decision to take a stake into the capital of the young shipowner NEOLINE.

The Sogestran group, together with its subsidiary COMPAGNIE MARITIME NANTAISE – MN, will accompany NEOLINE in financing its first ships and in setting up the pilot line.

This merger between the two shipowners from Nantes underlines the audacity of companies settled in the Pays de la Loire region and reinforces its industrial and maritime potential.

• For NEOLINE, the arrival of a leading player in the maritime and river sectors enables it to benefit from a recognised expertise for the launch of its innovative 136m length sailing cargo ships using sails as main propulsion, in which Sogestran will also be one of the reference investors.
• For the COMPAGNIE MARITIME NANTAISE – MN, which will be the operational partner of NEOLINE, this association will allow the development of its ship management and operation management activities on behalf of a third party, with a strong opening to the energy transition.
• For Sogestran, this investment is part of the Group’s maritime ambition. The association with NEOLINE will allow the Sogestran group to accelerate the energy and environmental improvement of its activities, at the same time as its positioning around the values to which the Group is already committed.

Being spotted out for its impact on the environment, the maritime transport sector is today facing intense regulatory and societal pressure to accelerate its energy transition.

NEOLINE’s shipowner model, based on energy performance with the use of wind energy as the main propulsion of its vessels, a commercial speed of 11 knots, trained and involved crews associated with advanced meteorological routing systems, aims to 90% reduction in consumption and therefore associated pollutant emissions. These ships will also be able to test a range of complementary technologies to move towards Zero Emission in the medium term, in line with France’s stated objective for 2050 in the 2017 climate plan.

With the support of leading players such as Renault Group, Manitou Group and Groupe Beneteau, who have demonstrated the logistical and economic relevance of the new service for the region’s industrials, NEOLINE plans to place an order for the building of the first vessel with SAS NEOPOLIA MOBILITY in the near future, so that the pilot line can be commissioned as soon as possible.

Pascal Girardet, Chairman of the Sogestran Group and Chairman of the Compagnie Maritime Nantaise – MN, declares:

“Sogestran group associates with NEOLINE to contribute to the emergence of a new economic and ecological model in maritime transport, which we are convinced is a promising one for the future. We have closely followed the development of NEOLINE and are pleased to be part of this project today”.

Jérôme Navarro, Managing Director of COMPAGNIE MARITIME NANTAISE – MN adds:

“The ambitions of development and territorial anchoring of the COMPAGNIE MARITIME NANTAISE-MN find much sense in this association with NEOLINE. Together, our driver is to be pioneers in the growth of new, more environmentally friendly shipping lines”.

 

Michel Péry, President of NEOLINE, says:

“We are particularly pleased that the Sogestran group is joining us as a structuring associates, with whom we share strong entrepreneurial and ethical values. The support of this renowned family group will be a decisive asset for the rapid implementation of our innovative, environmentally exemplary and economically sound maritime service. »

 

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About Sogestran Group

Sogestran group is specialised in river and sea transport with high added value: see the video. Quality, safety, security and respect for the environment are our priorities. Shipowners, our integrated design office offers innovative and tailor-made solutions.

We also support logistics flows: repair of tanks and containers, conditioned storage of hazardous materials.

More info on: www.sogestran.com/

With more than 900 employees and nearly 200 river and maritime units, Sogestran is a family group based in Le Havre since 1948. He is specialised in maritime transport, river transport, logistics and industrial services.

More : www.sogestran.com

 

About COMPAGNIE MARITIME NANTAISE – MN :

Ship operator, shipowner and ship manager, COMPAGNIE MARITIME NANTAISE – MN has made industrial and specialised shipping the core of its business.

This activity covers the design, construction, acquisition, management and domestic and international operation of ships. The COMPAGNIE MARITIME NANTAISE – MN, shipowner, ship manager and freight forwarder offers the services and benefits expected by its clients and has a particular experience and sense of listening. Relying on the technical and financial strength of the Sogestran group, of which it is a 100% subsidiary, COMPAGNIE MARITIME NANTAISE – MN fits perfectly into the dynamics of this group.

More info on www.compagnie-maritime-nantaise.com

 

 About NEOLINE

NEOLINE was founded in 2015 by a group of maritime professionals convinced of the necessary evolution of shipping towards a more responsible maritime transport. NEOLINE’s vocation is to become the first shipowner oriented towards energy sobriety, relying on a main propulsion under sails. It is supported by the Pays de la Loire Region and BPI France. The project is labelled by the Pôle Mer Bretagne Atlantique and the Pôle EMC² and followed by Atlanpole.

More info on www.neoline.eu

Press Contact Sogestran group/COMPAGNIE MARITIME NANTAISE – MN :
Jérôme Navarro
jerome.navarro@sogestran.com
+33 2 40 44 23 00

Press Contact NEOLINE :
Bénédicte ENAUX
b.enaux@neoline.eu
+33 6 08 51 02 43

Meet us at Euromaritime Marseille :
press briefing on the February 5th at 10am
stand E05 of NEOPOLIA

Download press release in PDF and  pictures