Cargo ship kite power assessed
Experts are now assessing the results of the maiden voyage of the world's first kite-assisted cargo ship. Initial indications are that the kite saved the 9,700-tonne Beluga Skysails some 2.5 tonnes of fuel per day during her 11,000-mile voyage from Germany to the Netherlands via Venezuela, the USA and Norway.
The 160mē kite used for the voyage (or rather kites, one having exploded 'somewhere high over the Atlantic') was for test purposes, but larger versions up to 600mē are planned. Further test voyages will be carried out this year and, if successful, it is surely only a matter of time before a system suitable for small boat use is developed.
Motor Boats Monthly, 21 March 2008
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