Sea trials of the wind assisted 10,000 tonne cargo vessel Beluga Skysail whilst on route
from Germany to Venezuela will commence this month. Once the vessel is in the open sea it will launch a giant sail similar to a kite, conditions permitting one would imagine. The pulling power of the sail will not replace the engines but reduce fuel consumption, saving fuel costs and reducing air pollution. The sail on the Beluga Skysail is 160 square meters and it is anticpated it will reduce fuel usage by 10% - 15%. Skysails are are also targetting the superyacht market.
Interestingly I came across another company Kiteship, who have been developing the same idea. They also have a smaller version suitable for leisure boats. It will be interesting to see if we get any power boaters brave enough to hoist a sail.
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