Skysails has a major customer

[pscot]

We've written a few times about the fuel-reducing power of the ship-propelling SkySail kites. In trial runs, the large sails, which are mounted to the front of container ships, have been able to cut fuel use by 20 percent and the company says that the sails could cut fuel use by up to 35 percent in real-world applications.

Now SkySails has a major customer in Cargill, a shipping company that transports more than 185 million tons of goods each year. Cargill doesn't own any ships themselves, but the companyhas signed a contract with SkySails to test a kite on one of the handysize vessels that it operates through an agreement with the ship's owner. The handysize vessel weighs in at 25,000 to 30,000 tons, which means it will be the largest ship so far to be propelled by a kite.

The SkySail system should be outfitted on the ship by early 2012 and if all goes well, Cargill will make a larger order. A study by the United Nations International Maritime Organization found that use of SkySails on ships worldwide could reduce shipping CO2 emissions by 100 million tons a year. Let's hope more large ships will be outfitted with this technology soon

[snappyturtle]

1. While I think this is a stellar idea, I doubt that Cargill gives a hoot that

it's environmentally friendly but rather a way to boost profit. I am very cynical today.

[MineralMan]

2. Well, it's OK if they're trying it to increase profits.

The point of the whole thing is that it saves fuel. Anything that cuts fuel costs boosts profits. I don't really care what their motive is, as long as they're trying to reduce fuel usage.

[pscot]

3. The Free market works its magic

So to speak.

[wtmusic]

7. The best solutions do both. nt

[coffeenap]

4. K and R

What a great concept!!! We applaud--best thing ever!

[FBaggins]

5. There's no way that it could save 35% of fuel use.

I'd bet that 5-10% is more realistic in the real world.

But even a mere 5-10% is enough to make it worth considering.

[NYC_SKP]

6. It could, I think, but only on select runs. (nt)

K and R.

[wtmusic]

8. Agree

even in a strong wind, straight ahead, I'm not buying it.

[pscot]

9. Currently the big container ships cruise

at 20 to 22 knots. They might have to slow down a bit for the sail to be effective.

[Kolesar]

12. That's a brisk pace

22 knots

[One_Life_To_Give]

14. Can't slowdown without changing fuel

Problem for the ships engineer is that the big diesel only runs slow on distillate. The bunker fuel they use won't run in the engine at lower rpm's. Atleast according to the ships engineers over at Boatdesign.net they have to change over the fuel just to become maneuverable. Such as to pick up a person in the water or aid another vessel. One reason cited why they may go bye a distressed vessel before turning around to come help is the time it takes to switch over the fuel.

[tridim]

10. Have you ever flown an airfoil stunt kite?

A relatively small version can lift my whole body into the air for several seconds. So 16 ounces of kite can lift at least 150 pounds, do the math.

[FBaggins]

11. Lol... nope. But I HAVE been on more than one 30k ton vessel.

Providing 1/3rd of the motive power for something that size is no small task.

[OnlinePoker]

13. Business Cases on Skysail Website say 10.4% for Super Heavy-Lift Cargo

and 21.3% for Product Tanker.

http://www.skysails.info/english/products/skysails-for-cargo-ships/business-cases/