French manufacturer Manitou Group has agreed a deal to ship its heavy earth-moving equipment on compatriot Neoline's new sail-powered cargo ro-ro.

The first of these Neoliner vessels is due to sail across the Atlantic to the US from late 2021.

Manitou will load up to 40 machines on to the ship for each trip.

The French group said the move accelerates its ecological transition by choosing a solution that drastically reduces the environmental impact of its exports.