CHANGE IS IN THE AIR AND ON THE SEA
The maritime transport sector alone accounts for 3% of global CO2 emissions. New players are positioning themselves in response to climate challenges and the IMO’s decarbonization targets of net zero emissions by 2050. Sailing propulsion is gaining ground among new-generation ships, whose numbers have been doubling every year since 2023.
THE CHALLENGES OF SAIL-POWERED TRANSPORT
Sail propulsion, i.e., ships that rely on wind power to move forward, is a rapidly growing technology for decarbonizing maritime transport. Sailing ships can reduce their fuel consumption by an average of 30% depending on weather conditions and offer an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels.
Numerous sail-powered cargo transport projects are being developed using various technological innovations: rigid wings, automated sails, hybrid systems with motorization, and sailboats.
The aim of these ships is to meet environmental requirements and shippers’ demands by providing a new offering that is more respectful of the ocean and the climate, complementing existing ships.
In France, several players in this new generation of ships are entering the market. These include Windcoop, Grain de Sail, and Neoline, whose first ship, Neoliner Origin, was launched in October 2025 for its maiden transatlantic voyage. Our teams were present for this maiden voyage from the port of Nantes Saint Nazaire to St Pierre and Miquelon, Halifax, and Baltimore.
WHAT GOODS AND WHAT ROUTES?
Sail-powered ships are suitable for a wide variety of goods, including foodstuffs, beverages, special equipment, and oversized products. Some companies also market ships adapted for roll-on/roll-off freight (see our article Specific Transport: Have you considered RoRo?).
The maritime routes used are mainly transatlantic or coastal, such as connections between Europe and the United States, or between European ports, where wind conditions are favorable. Eventually, regular lines could emerge on secondary routes, helping to reshape international maritime logistics.
REMINDER OF IMO OBJECTIVES
This transition is fully in line with the objectives of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). By 2050, the IMO aims to achieve carbon neutrality in international shipping through intermediate targets: a 20% reduction by 2030 and 70% by 2040. It encourages the use of alternative energies, of which sail propulsion is now an integral part.
Committed to improving the environmental impact of our business, the Balguerie Group teams work in partnership with all players in the maritime transport sector and always seek to offer greener alternative solutions in line with customer expectations.
