Neoliner Origin, the world’s first commercial wind-propelled cargo ship, has completed its first Atlantic crossing after a challenging journey during which one of its sails was damaged.
The 6 300 dwt/13 278 gross tonne vessel sustained damage when it came up against heavy Atlantic storms.
According to Neoline, the ship, which sailed from Saint-Nazaire, France, on October 16 with its Atlantic cargo, sustained damage to the top panel on the aft main sail two days into the crossing. Its mast sails were still fully functional.
However, the vessel continued its journey in a hybrid mode, combining the sails with its engine.
The Neoliner Origin arrived off the coast of Canada at the French outpost of Saint Pierre and Miquelon on the evening of October 24.
The company livestreamed its arrival and invited residents to line the shoreline to watch the historic event.
Local media reported that technicians had been flown to the island to assist with repairs to the vessel’s sail. The ship proceeded to Baltimore where it was expected to arrive on October 30 or later.
It has two rigid sails mounted on Solidsail rigs designed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, which gives it 3 000 square metres of sail area and a speed of 11 knots.
The vessel has 1 200 lane metres for cargo across three areas and the ability to transport containers. It also has accommodation for 12 paying passengers and 13 crew.
A welcoming event in Baltimore was postponed until her second journey across the Atlantic.
