The Project
In the course of globalisation the world trade has increased twenty times since 1960. 98 % of the world trade is conveyed by sea route. Thus sea traffic plays a key role in the exploitation of energy resources and is simultaneously responsible for a large amount of the emissions of climate-damaging gases.
How can we reduce those emissions? A simple fact: wind is cheaper than oil and it is the most cost-effective offshore energy source. However, despite its attractive saving potential it is presently not being used by cargo ships. Now with the help of the SkySails towing kite, a wind propulsion system, fuel costs can be reduced by 10-35 % annually, depending on the type of the ship and the actual wind conditions. Fuel consumption can temporarily be reduced by up to 50 % under optimal wind conditions.
Within the framework of the EU co-funded WINTECC project (wind propulsion technology for cargo vessels, project number: LIFE06 ENV/D/000479), the first industry-accepted kite system with automatic control will be demonstrated in a first full-scale application. The first prototype of the automatically steered towing kite is operated in 2008 on the 132 meter Multi Purpose Heavy Lift Project Carrier MV “Beluga SkySails” under realistic conditions during regular service. The MV “Beluga SkySails” has a load capacity of 10,000 tons (tdw) and is the optimal vessel for the SkySails System because of its size and average speed of 15 knots. Owner of the new built vessel is the Beluga Shipping GmbH & Co. KG MV “Beluga SkySails”. The shipping company Beluga Shipping GmbH from Bremen is responsible for the charter of this young fl eet member.
The project will verify that the SkySails towing kite system makes an essential contribution to reducing the fuel consumption and the emissions of climate damaging gases.
