Michelin partners with wind-powered logistics provider Neoline in step towards zero carbon emissions



Michelin has recently signed a letter of commitment for maritime transport with Neoline, a French startup offering innovative carbon-free shipping service, on the Canada-France line. This represents a significant step for Michelin towards decarbonising its logistics operations, in line with the company’s goal of attaining zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.

Instead of burning diesel or coal, Neoline’s cargo ships relies on clean and renewable wind energy as their main propulsion. The 136-metre-long cargo ships are equipped with 4,200 square-metre sails, and is said to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in maritime freight transport by up to 90%.

Michelin Group Supply Chain Director, Pierre-Martin Huet said: “This new partnership marks the first step in carbon-free shipping, which is fully in line with the sustainability strategy of Michelin’s operations. It will contribute to achieving the objective of reducing CO2 emissions from logistics by 15% in absolute terms between 2018 and 2030.”

Neoline President, Jean Zanuttini added: “We are honoured to welcome on board the Michelin Group, an emblematic French player strongly committed to innovation and sustainable mobility. With our sailing cargo ships, we are developing a mode of transport that is more environmentally friendly, adapted to the current economic and logistical reality of shippers and not dependent on fossil fuels.”

Michelin will utilise Neoline’s cargo ships to transport their tyres from Halifax, Canada to the Nantes Saint-Nazaire port in France – the shipping company’s pilot line, scheduled to be inaugurated with their first operating vessel in 2023. With Neoline’s second vessel to arrive a year later, Michelin Group will gradually entrust Neoline with at least 50% of the group’s containers transported on this line.