This Is Not Your Father’s Sail Boat
Posted: Tuesday, December 5th, 2006 by StanleyTags: Activism, Conservation, Energy, Pollution, Science, Technology
A cargo shipping company based in Bremen, Germany is utilizing a new technology to save money on the open seas. By installing a large kite on their boats, they will be able to harness the power of above surface winds which they estimate could save the company up to $1,500 a day on fuel costs. It also reduces harmful emissions which is a wonderful thing for everyone. One boat in their fleet, the "MV Beluga SkySails", is already being fitted with the kite as well as a steering device. They hope the boat will make it's first oceanic trek in the next few months.
The technology has been in testing for the last 4 years so it's actually very late in the development process. The founder of the company that developed the kite technology, SkySails GmbH & Co. KG, had this to say about his project: "It was important for me to prove that you can make money working hand-in-hand with nature and not against it, I think there could be a lot more linking of ecology and economy." [via CNN.com]
High-tech sail to cut costs, emissions – [CNN.com]
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