Wind-powered cargo ship arrives in Halifax, its first Canadian port

The Neoliner Origin, the biggest sailing cargo vessel in the world, is docked in Halifax.

The Neoliner Origin arrived in Halifax Monday, marking the sail-powered cargo ship’s very first Canadian call.

The vessel was developed by Neoline, a French company pioneering zero-emission transatlantic cargo shipping.

“The Neoliner Origin is the only one, it’s the first one, it’s the biggest sailing cargo vessel in the world right now,” says Madeleine Poulin Poirier, sales manager at Neoline.

“This historic stop marks the vessel’s first arrival in Canada and a significant milestone in the development of sustainable transatlantic shipping,” reads a news release from the company. “As the world’s largest cargo vessel powered primarily by wind, Neoliner Origin represents a new generation of low-carbon maritime transport.”

In 2023, the global maritime shipping industry was responsible for around two per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, roughly 911 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, according to Statista and the International Council on Clean Transportation.

Emissions from the industry are continuing to grow.

According to data from the UN, maritime transport moves over 80 per cent of goods traded worldwide.

With wind as a main source of propulsion, the Neoliner Origin aims to reduce its fuel consumption by over 80 per cent. The 136-metre-long roll-on roll-off ship is equipped with two masts and sails.

The vessel can carry up to 5,000 tonnes of cargo. Similar ships use 13 to 15 tonnes of fuel each day, while the Neoliner Origin burns through about 1.5 tonnes.

Poulin Poirier says delivery times aren’t affected by the vessel’s reliance on wind.

“We need to respect the dates on the schedule that we have, so wee need to respect the transit time so sometime we’re going to be using only the sail and sometime we’re going to do the navigation on a hybrid mode,” she explains. “We’re going to use a little bit of the engine if there’s not enough wind to move us.”

The ship travels between mainland France, Baltimore, St. Pierre, Miqueon and now Halifax, offering another option for exporters to move their goods.

“Halifax is one of the most connected ports in the world. We connect with more than 150 countries and here is another example of the type of linkages that are happening globally between the world and the Port of Halifax,” says Lori MacLean, Halifax Port Authority communications.

The vessel doesn’t just transport cargo, there are six double cabins that house up to 12 passengers.

Neoline is hosting a reception with the Port of Halifax, PSA Halifax and Montship at the PIER to mark the vessel’s first arrival in Canada on Monday.

Duncan Glass, the managing director of PSA Halifax, says the vessel’s arrival in Halifax is a significant milestone for sustainable shipping.

“As the operator of Halifax’s container terminals, PSA Halifax is committed to enabling innovative supply chain solutions while supporting the industry’s transition to lower-carbon transportation,” he says.

Those interested can view the Neoliner Origin as it leaves the harbour between 3 p.m. and 4p.m. anywhere from the waterfront.

With files from CTV’s Jonathan MacInnis

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