Wind-powered cargo vessel Neoliner Origin makes its first call in Belgium as Zeebrugge joins its regular transatlantic service

NEOLINE and CMA CGM are excited to report that Neoliner Origin, a wind-powered cargo vessel, successfully docked at PSA Zeebrugge on September 21, 2026 for the first time. This visit marked the vessel's debut in Belgium and its inclusion in NEOLINE's standard transatlantic service. Zeebrugge, part of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, serves as a vital European hub for roll-on/roll-off, automotive, and oversized cargo.

Its addition to the service directly caters to the needs of clients and partners seeking convenient access to NEOLINE's transatlantic service, with strong connections to Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and northern France.

The vessel's new rotation now includes stops at Zeebrugge, Montoir-de-Bretagne, Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, Baltimore, and Halifax. This extension is anticipated to take five weeks during summer and six weeks in winter, accounting for approximately ten rotations per year. Despite the expanded rotation, the transit-time commitments to existing customers from Montoir-de-Bretagne remain unchanged.

CMA CGM, a significant partner of NEOLINE, has wholeheartedly supported the development of this groundbreaking wind-powered shipping solution. The CMA CGM Group now offers the service to its clientele and other shippers aiming to minimize their transatlantic supply chain emissions. This partnership highlights CMA CGM's dedication to decarbonizing shipping and providing customers with a wider array of eco-friendly transport solutions.

For NEOLINE, the arrival of Neoliner Origin at Zeebrugge enhances its access to the European freight market, thereby reinforcing opportunities for returning cargo prior to any potential expansion of its fleet. Neoliner Origin is a 136-meter roll-on/roll-off cargo vessel designed to harness wind as its primary propulsion source, supplemented by an auxiliary diesel-electric system.

Its foldable SolidSail masts, carrying 3,000 square meters of sail, allow the vessel to access most ports. On the North Atlantic route, Neoliner Origin is projected to cut fuel consumption by over 80% compared to a conventional vessel traveling at 15 knots.