A New Freight is Shipping the Manitou Telehandlers, and is Wind Powered

Manitou Group, a global reference in material handling and construction equipment, is one of the first industrial partners to back Neoline’s initiative. The collaboration, initiated in 2019 between two companies based in the Pays de la Loire region, now becomes a reality with this inaugural crossing.

“With 82% of our turnover generated from exports, the Neoliner Origin offers a strong alternative to conventional cargo vessels,” said Michel Denis, President & CEO of Manitou Group. “We are proud to have supported Neoline since the beginning and to be part of this new era of maritime transport. This partnership aligns with our LIFT strategic plan, which focuses on more sustainable solutions across our entire value chain.”

Equipped with 3,000 square meters of sails, the Neoliner Origin is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by over 80% compared with a standard cargo ship of the same capacity. The 13-day voyage maintains similar transit times to traditional shipping, while also minimizing pre-carriage distances between Manitou’s sites in western France and the port of Montoir-de-Bretagne.

By choosing this shipping method, Manitou reduces a significant part of its freight emissions—maritime transport currently accounts for roughly one-third of the company’s total logistics footprint. Denis added that the group intends to “use other less-emitting solutions, such as rail transport in the United States and Europe, thereby contributing to a more responsible logistics chain.”