Kite Sails for Merchant Vessels - SkySails - Green Cargo Ships

The first time I saw the SkySails technology I have to admit I thought it was not possible to use a kite to help pulling a cargo vessel. But it is and now I know this will help reduce both fuel consumption and carbon emissions every time a big ship employs this system.

Everybody knows that wind is much cheaper than fuel and there is no expectations that it will end someday soon. No doubt those are great arguments to backup the SkySails and if we think that the fuel consumption can be reduced by almost 35% it is easy to understand that the initial investment will be paid in four or five years.

If every big ship out there had a SkySails we could expect that the carbon emissions from them would be inferior to the ones from the aviation, making the ocean transportation much more "greener" and a lot cheaper than it is right now.

Using this huge sail (320m² / 3444.56 ft²) which works as a large towing kite, the ship´s motors have less need to propel all the weight through the water.

This automatic towing kite propulsion systems are the first attempt to bring back the wind and sails systems to the 21^st century maritime navigation industry requirements.

The system can be equipped both on new or on older ships and the only limitation for this system is the ship length - minimum 30 meters.

The complete system consists of three primary components: the kite with the towing rope, a launch and recovery equipment and a automatic control system for easy operation.

The company it is established at Hamburg, Germany, since 2001 and has been developing, making and marketing this new technology through out the world.

You can learn more about their company and products in their website:

• SkySails

You have a small boat and you liked the idea!?

Then keep reading because you will find the solution for your problem.

All right, do not leave yet. There is still hope for you!

You can enjoy this same technology without any boat.

Of course I am talking about Kitesurfing which is like surfing but with wind as propellent.