Sustainable Ballast Water Treatment System Selected for Innovative Wind-Powered Cargo Vessel

BIO-UV Group, a leading provider of sustainable water treatment solutions, has secured a contract to supply its state-of-the-art BIO-SEA UV ballast water treatment system for a groundbreaking wind-powered cargo vessel, the Neoliner 136.

NEOLINE, established in 2015 with a focus on zero-emission shipping solutions, is currently constructing the Neoliner 136, a 136-meter sailing ro-ro vessel, in collaboration with RMK Marine in Turkey. The vessel is a hybrid mechanical marvel, combining electric propulsion and wind-powered sailing through AeolDrive/Solidsail technology from Chantiers de l’Atlantique. With 3000m2 of solid sail, the ship aims to achieve a remarkable 90% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on ocean crossings, eliminating sulphur oxide (SOx) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The entire Neoliner project, spanning over 12 years, is anticipated to cost €60 million.

BIO-UV Group will supply RMK Marine with the BIO-SEA B03-340 unit, a modular three-lamp system capable of handling flow rates up to 340 M3/h. The delivery of this solution is scheduled for January 2024. Designed to tackle the challenges posed by micro-organisms during ballast water loading and unloading, the BIO-SEA system is chemical-free and holds certifications from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). The contract encompasses final drawings, commissioning, and crew training.

Laurent Emmanuel Migeon, CEO of BIO-UV Group, emphasized the significance of sustainable, chemical-free treatment technologies on flagship vessels of the French merchant navy. The company's commitment to supporting the sailing cargo sector and contributing to the maritime industry's decarbonization is reflected in this contract, particularly in France where wind power is becoming an increasingly attractive business model.

Jean Zanuttini, CEO of NEOLINE, highlighted the importance of BIO-UV Group's French heritage and expertise, aligning with NEOLINE's commitment to working with local providers for optimized maintenance and service costs in the long term.

Scheduled to commence operations in 2025, the Neoliner 136 will provide eco-friendly transport services from France to the United States, serving luxury brands such as Hennessy, Longchamp, Michelin, and Clarins. The initiative aims to reduce the environmental impact of their supply chains, contributing to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies. The vessel will follow a route encompassing Saint-Nazaire and Saint-Pierre and Miquelon in France, Halifax in Canada, and Baltimore in the U.S., with a monthly rotation. Operating at an average speed of 11 knots, the ship will have a capacity for 265 containers and 5,300 tons of goods, with plans for two ships to alternate on the route in the future.