Kite to pull ship across Atlantic

[vespax]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7201887.stm

The world's first commercial cargo ship partially powered by a giant kite is setting sail from Germany to Venezuela.

The designers of the MS Beluga Skysails say the computer-controlled kite, measuring 160sq m (1,722sq ft), could cut fuel consumption by as much as 20%.

They also hope the state-of-the-art kite will help reduce carbon dioxide emissions, as it tugs the ship.

Fuel burnt by ships accounts for 4% of global CO2 emissions - twice as much as the aviation industry produces.

Con't on site...

I have heard about these in Popular Mechanics. Great to see a maiden voyage under way for the old technology. I can't see why shipping companies would not try and use this. 20% fuel savings is a huge amount of cash to save on a trans-oceanic voyage and I bet the winds really kick up out there!

 

[Datura]

Wow that is impressive. Can't wait to see that in practice

 

[hj2k_x]

Certainly makes sense. Great to see them finally putting alternate power sources to work.