Thursday 18 February 2021

Michelin chooses ‘carbon-free’ ships to transport tyres

Tyre manufacturer Michelin has committed to reducing its maritime carbon footprint, partnering with French start-up NEOLINE.

NEOLINE provides what it claims to be carbon-free shipping services, relying on clean and renewable wind energy to power its cargo ships. The French start-up estimates that its service will reduce carbon emissions produced by transatlantic maritime freight transport by 90%.

Michelin will use NEOLINE’s ships to transport its tyres from Halifax in Canada to Montoir de Bretagne in France.

The transatlantic line will have its first operating vessel in 2023, with NEOLINE aiming to have the second operating the following year. In line with its commitment to becoming net zero by 2050, Michelin aims to entrust the transportation of 50% of its containers to the start-up.

"This initiative and this new partnership promote innovation in the field of carbon-free transport. This first step in carbon-free shipping is fully in line with the CSR 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," said Pierre-Martin Huet, Supply Chain Director at the Michelin Group.