World’s Largest Wind-Powered Ro-Ro Vessel Makes Landmark Call At Port Of Baltimore

The world’s largest wind-powered, industrial-scale roll-on/roll-off vessel, Neoliner Origin, has arrived in Baltimore for the second time.

The Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore remains the only port in the United States included in the vessel’s regular service.

Port officials said the ship is operating a monthly route between Saint-Nazaire in France and Baltimore, with scheduled stops at Saint-Pierre et Miquelon and Halifax.

The service is part of a new transatlantic shipping route connecting France, Canada and the United States.

The Maryland Port Administration stated that Baltimore’s role as the vessel’s sole US port shows the port’s strength in handling specialised cargo.

Officials said that Baltimore handles more farm and construction machinery than any other port in the country, making it well suited to the ship’s operations.

Neoliner Origin is designed to carry a wide range of cargo, including oversized project equipment, cars, agricultural machinery, construction machinery and containers.

The vessel is about 446 feet long and can carry more than 5,300 tonnes of rolling cargo or up to 265 TEU across three decks.

The ship is powered mainly by wind, using two masts that each stand around 295 feet tall and support a total sail area of nearly 32,000 square feet.

Wind is expected to provide between 60 and 70 per cent of the vessel’s propulsion. When needed, hybrid diesel-electric engines are used to support operations.

The vessel operates at a lower speed of about 11 knots, compared with a more common service speed of around 15 knots to further reduce fuel use and emissions.

During the ship’s visit, senior representatives from the Maryland Port Administration and Ports America Chesapeake toured the vessel along with Neoline’s leadership.

Officials stated that the ship is equipped to handle cars, machinery and containerised cargo, fitting well with Baltimore’s existing cargo profile.

Neoliner Origin was built by RMK Marine in Turkey and launched in February 2025. The vessel first called at Baltimore on 30 October and continues to operate a monthly service as part of Neoline’s wind-powered shipping programme.

Reference: Port of Baltimore

Source: Maritime Shipping News