Transcript:

Most cargo ships run on fossil fuels, so shipping generates a lot of planet-warming carbon pollution.

But a company called Neoline is trying to change that by turning to an ancient technology.

Its new ship, the Neoliner Origin, has giant sails, so wind can provide up to 70% of its propulsion.

Zanuttini: “I find the ship really beautiful. … When we are under sails, it’s just pure magic because it’s very silent. It’s like a flying carpet. … Really, it is marvelous.”

CEO Jean Zanuttini says the ship also uses hybrid diesel-electric engines. But with the sails and other efficiencies, the company aims to emit only a fifth as much carbon pollution as a traditional cargo ship.

Zanuttini: “A very big interest for most of our clients is to reduce … their carbon footprint.”

The Neoliner Origin is not the largest cargo ship on the seas. But it can still carry over 5,000 tons.

And eventually, Neoline plans to build more and bigger ships.

But first, the company wants to prove it can provide reliable, cost-effective cargo service.

Last fall, the Neoliner Origin began sailing a regular route between Baltimore and France – demonstrating a more climate-friendly approach to shipping.

Reporting credit: Ethan Freedman / ChavoBart Digital Media