Giant sail technology could make shipping greener

One of the first large cargo ships in 100 years to cross the Atlantic with the help of the wind will set off from European shores this month on a voyage, which is due to make maritime history.

When the 10,000-tonne Beluga Skysail is well clear of the land, it will launch a giant kite, which wind tunnel tests, sea trials suggest will tug it along, and save 10-15% of the heavy fuel oil, it would normally burn. If the journey from Bremen in Germany to Venezuela and back proves successful, it could become common to see some of the largest ships in the world towed by kites the size of football fields. This is a serious attempt to reduce bunker [fuel] costs and polluting emissions. The ship's maiden voyage will use a 160 sq metre kite, which is expected to cut fuel consumption by 10-15%, but in time, it will be fitted with much larger kites, possibly saving 30-35% on fuel. The largest kites could be as big as 5,000 sq metres and theoretically be capable of assisting giant container ships.

Read More