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Kite-powered ship to cross Atlantic: designers
Berlin (AFP) Jan 22, 2008 The world's first cargo ship partially powered by a giant kite was to set sail on Tuesday from Germany to Venezuela, the company behind the project said. The MS Beluga SkySails is pulled along by a computer-controlled kite attached to the bows of the ship, assisting the engines and reducing fuel consumption by up to 35 percent depending on the prevailing wind conditions. The 160-square-metre (1,722-square-foot) kite was made by Hamburg-based company, SkySails. "During the next few months we will finally be able to prove that our technology works in practice and significantly reduces fuel consumption and emissions," said Stephan Wrage, SkySails' managing director. The advantage of the kite over a sail is that it can pull the ship along regardless of the direction of the wind -- and unlike a mast it does not hinder the loading and unloading of cargo vessels. The company admitted that the kite may not yet be sufficiently strong for widespread commercial use. "It is particularly important to raise the manageability and robustness of the system to the level demanded by our customers," said SkySails' technical manager Stephan Brabeck. The ship was to leave from Bremerhaven in northern Germany bound for Guanta in Venezuela. Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links Powering The World in the 21st Century at Energy-Daily.com
EU seeking greener energy but nuclear option fuels dissent
Brussels (AFP) Jan 21, 2008The European Commission will on Wednesday unveil detailed plans to slash greenhouse gases by 2020, with the focus on renewable fuels and emissions trading, despite French attempts to push the nuclear option. |
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