Sail aided boats coming
SkySails' system consists of an enormous towing kite and navigation software that can map the best route between two points for maximum wind efficiency. In development for more than four years, the system costs from roughly $380,000 to $3.2 million, depending on the size of the ship it's pulling. SkySails claims it will save one third of fuel costs. It recently signed its first contract with Beluga Shipping of Bremen, Germany, for one kite, but says it expects to sell 300 more within five years. Beluga says that the giant kite will help the company meet environmental regulations as well as cut fuel costs.
I know people have been playing around with this idea for some time, but this is the first I've seen that has actually reached the selling stage. The kite is self lifting, it's a big helium filled wing shape. The whole unit is directed by a computer to find the optimal height and direction.
From what the company is saying they are mostly aiming at European companies right now, which can not only save some fuel money but comply with strict environmental laws. But as the price of fuel goes up, I expect this type of idea will take off at some point.
Jay
