Kite Sails for Merchant Vessels - SkySails - Green Cargo Ships
65Saving fuel using the Wind Power
The first time I saw the SkySails technology I have to admit I thought it was not possible to use a kite to help pulling a cargo vessel. But it is and now I know this will help reduce both fuel consumption and carbon emissions every time a big ship employs this system.
Everybody knows that wind is much cheaper than fuel and there is no expectations that it will end someday soon. No doubt those are great arguments to backup the SkySails and if we think that the fuel consumption can be reduced by almost 35% it is easy to understand that the initial investment will be paid in four or five years.
|
1882 DANISH SKATE SAIL SAILING ICE YACHT DENMARK Kite
Current Bid: $7.50
|
|
WIND MONITOR for KITEBOARDING SAIL BOARD KITE SURFING
Current Bid: $34.95
|
Much greener transportations
If every big ship out there had a SkySails we could expect that the carbon emissions from them would be inferior to the ones from the aviation, making the ocean transportation much more "greener" and a lot cheaper than it is right now.
SkySails` Technology
SkySails - How it works
Using this huge sail (320m2 / 3444.56 ft2) which works as a large towing kite, the ship´s motors have less need to propel all the weight through the water.
This automatic towing kite propulsion systems are the first attempt to bring back the wind and sails systems to the 21st century maritime navigation industry requirements.
The system can be equipped both on new or on older ships and the only limitation for this system is the ship length - minimum 30 meters.
The complete system consists of three primary components: the kite with the towing rope, a launch and recovery equipment and a automatic control system for easy operation.
SkySails bring windpower to container ships!
SkySails
The company it is established at Hamburg, Germany, since 2001 and has been developing, making and marketing this new technology through out the world.
You can learn more about their company and products in their website:
Best Kite on Amazon
 | The Best Kite-boarding Yarga Kite offers four options (4-line, 5th-line, SLE, and SLE+5th-line) for handling performance and depower customization. Amazon Price: $798.95 |
 | The B2 is Slingshot's original 2-line foil trainer kite. The B2 has a proven reputation as the best trainer kite ever produced and is easy to fly. Amazon Price: $109.00 |
 | Looking for a high-octane thrill? The Snapshot 1.9 delivers snappy cornering and arm-stretching power that’s truly remarkable for its size. Amazon Price: $99.99 |
 | The Snapshot 1.4 is a perfect choice for smaller or younger pilots who want to feel some power but might find the 1.9 or 2.5 too much to handle in stronger winds. Amazon Price: $79.95 |
 | Trainer kites are an absolute necessity for beginners. The 2-meter trainer is ideal for most people wanting to learn the basics in moderate winds. The 3 - meter is recommended for those who want to experience power. Amazon Price: $225.00 |
SkySails for your recreational boat!
You have a small boat and you liked the idea!?
Then keep reading because you will find the solution for your problem.
Power Kiting
A 6 meter boat kite was inflated and deployed using the F-10 control system. The kite harnesses the wind and saves fuel. Find out more about it at Kite For Sail.
You get seasick everytime you go on a boat...
All right, do not leave yet. There is still hope for you!
You can enjoy this same technology without any boat.
Of course I am talking about Kitesurfing which is like surfing but with wind as propellent.
You still do not believe that wind has enough power!?
Best Kitsurf - Material Kitesurf
|
Sensei II 2 2M Trainer Kite Foil Power Surfing Traction
Current Bid: $144.95
|
|
4 Line control 5SQ meters power kite for buggying/
Current Bid: $159.00
|
|
Sunglasses for Kite, Wake, Surf, SUP, Kayak...
Current Bid: $20.00
|
|
SkyWatch Xplorer1 WindMeter Wind Meter Kitesurfing Kite
Current Bid: $54.99
|
|
KITE SURFING North Kiteboarding DOUBLE HAND PUMP *NEW**
Current Bid: $25.99
|
|
GoPro Hero kitesurfIng grip. Your kite is a wonderfully stable video platform.
Current Bid: $23.55
|
CommentsLoading...
Wow...Sounds wonderful to me...I can just bet this has been known for sometime though...sounds like it could be a really good thing...does it help the ship move faster? and what if the line breaks??? You certainly did a good job presenting this sweetie..Thanks....G-Ma :o) hugs
Thanks Steph, let´s hope it will become common on every ship.
Hi G-Ma, thanks for your comment. Lol if the line breaks they will have to buy another one plus the kite :D . In fact the ship could go faster but only if full throttle. The main advantage is to go the same speed but with less fuel ;)
Fantastsic hub, funride. I agree with Steph. Sails have been around for a long time, you would of thought this would have been tried before, but now that all we want to do is "drill, drill, drill" it's a good time to get it done. It's another example of how we always wait for a problem to become a crisis before we do anything about it.
Coming from you that was quite a compliment, thanks a lot William. You´re right, we only think about the storm when we hear the thunderbolts, or even worst: sometimes we wait until we get electrocuted by one LOL.
Loved this hub! Never saw the skysails in action and they are such a great idea. Like stephhicks, I like learning something new when I read a hub, and I certainly did this time!
I am scared of contraptions such as that, so I would rather watch it from the ground :). Nevertheless interesting hub and anything that gets people to start thinking about energy consumption is a good thing.
Great hub, but scarey to me, however wind is a good thing, as long as it leaves me on the ground!! LOL
The wind must be blowing in my direction! LOL Three days without running my computer and now I found three comments from three lovely ladies here ;)
NYLady - Thanks, I´m glad you enjoyed and learned something from this hub ;-)
SweetiePie - Are you sure!? Just imagine how beautiful the beach would look from that high :D
marisuewrites - LOL don´t tell anybody but I was also scared the first time I watch that video. I even stop playing with my little kite - we never know... :D
Great Hub. I enjoyed your video's and the time you took to put this Hub together. Way to go. Makes you want to sing Christopher Crosses song "Sailing" :)
Laurie (Inspire Wisdom)
Thanks Laurie, you´re very kind. It´s a pleasure to have you commenting on my hubs and now you can sing along with Christopher (video below) ;)
Enjoy and have fun!
Wow! Fun ride by funride! LOL
The Alternative Power Blog » Wind Energy News
- Fresh-Water Wind Farm on Lake Erie
A fresh-water wind farm is taking shape at Lake Erie and when completed will provide 20 megawatts and get on to about one gigawatt power by 2020. article continued here - 20 months ago
- Energy-starved Pakistan seeks wind investors
(Reuters) – Pakistan this year expects to finalize four wind power deals worth $500 million to exploit a renewable resource that has been barely tapped in a country with a yawning gap between... - 20 months ago
- Airborne Wind Turbines?
Yes, the day is not far off when reaching for sky is the new motto for generating cost-effective renewable energy. Initially it was considered to be technically non-viable to tap high-altitude winds.... - 20 months ago
Peachy Green - Harvesting the fruits of going green
- Eco-Friendly Luggage from Recycled Airline Seats and Fabrics
We were so excited to find eco-friendly luggage and other items, including business card holders, wallets and handbags made from recycled airline seats and fabrics. Tierra Ideas, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, creates the products below using leather aircraft seat covers, aircraft fabrics, aircraft curtains, tire inner tubes and more: BUSINESS CARD HOLDER /// Made [...] - 2 months ago
- Property Assessed Clean Energy Loans
If you are not aware of Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) loans, you are not alone. The program was established three years ago to allow financing of energy efficiency and renewable energy programs via long-term property tax assessments. With no money down, property owners can install solar panels, wind energy and more, paying off their [...] - 3 months ago
- Consider Electronic Recycling When Shopping for Holiday Gifts
Its great to live in a world with all the conveniences offered by our electronic gadgets. But with new models of cell phones, tablets, televisions and more coming out every 6-12 months, consumers are tempted to trash perfectly functional electronics in favor of the newest item. To minimize impact on the environment, consider electronic recycling [...] - 3 months ago
Sailing by Christopher Cross in 1980
stephhicks68 Level 6 Commenter 3 years ago
This almost seems like a no-brainer, using sky sails to cut down on fuel consumption! Fantastic hub - I learned something new today. :) Steph