In a world where a common maritime diesel engine can generate thousands of horsepower, why would any commercial freighter return to wind power again. The answers are actually quite simple: to reduce carbon footprint - a popular term in the current eco-concisious world, to save fuel cost - another popular concept in the high oil price environment, and because we can.
Christened this month, the MV Beluga SkySails is a 400+ foot long freighter commissioned by German shipping company Beluga Group. While its appearance is like any another freighter, the MV Beluga SkySails is equipped with a very unique auxiliary propulsion system, a giant kite measured at 1,723 sq. ft. (the vessel will upgrade to a 3,445 sq. ft. version later). Unlike traditional rigs and sails, the mammoth kite will operate at altitude between 300~1,000 feet, where the wind speed is higher and more constant. Beluga Group officials estimate that the creative wind-powered auxiliary propulsion system will generate a fuel saving of 20%~30% , which translate to a saving of low 4-digit in daily operation cost.
The vessel will make its maiden voyage via trans-Atlantic route from Bremen to Venezuela, then to Boston.
> Beluga Group
.
.
