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NEOLINER MEDIA KIT

‘Weird-looking’ cargo ship sparks curiosity in Halifax

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If you’re out-and-about in the downtown area, you may have noticed a strange-looking cargo ship docked in the Halifax harbour.

According to the Vessel Finder website, the Neoliner Origin arrived around 8 in the morning on Monday.

The vessel is operated by French shipping company Neoline, which says the ship is a hybrid design that relies primarily on wind power to travel. When needed — including while manoeuvring in port — it can also operate using a diesel-electric motor.

Neoline says the ship’s unique design allows it to use about 80 per cent less fuel than a conventional cargo vessel travelling at a similar speed.

While docked in the Bedford Basin, the ship’s large sails are lowered and its masts are tilted inward, forming an X-like shape on top of the vessel — a sight that has caught the attention of many harbour watchers.

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Halifax launching first fully electric, eco‑friendly water taxi this May

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A new way to cross Halifax Harbour is on the way, as FlyteBoat prepares to launch the city’s first fully electric water taxi service.

The boats will connect key waterfront areas, including Halifax Harbour, downtown Dartmouth, the Islands, and the Northwest Arm. The company says trips can be booked online, with on-demand and scheduled options depending on the time of day, plus pet-friendly service and multiple pick-up points.

Each boat will carry 8 to 12 passengers and will be fully heated and weather protected. Service options include commuter and tourist routes for efficient peak-time service or scenic loops around cultural destinations, while private charters are available for groups and special events.

Inside FlyteBoat’s water taxi. PHOTO: FLYTEBOAT

Topher Kingsley-Williams of FlyteBoat says the service “will offer people a simple way to skip traffic, get across the water faster, and actually enjoy the trip at the same time.” He adds, “if we can take even a small number of cars off the road, that’s a win.”

According to the company, the service will save roughly 285 tonnes of CO2 compared with conventional gas-powered boats, which they say is equivalent to taking about 62 cars off the road for an entire year. Since the fleet is fully electric, the boats won’t emit toxic fumes and will be quieter, reducing riders’ carbon footprint and noise pollution.

FlyteBoat says it will start with three vessels in May 2026, with plans to expand as it works to reduce traffic and emissions across the region.