First cargo vessel worldwide to use the innovative Skysails auxiliary propulsion system

January 25, 2008

SkySails
Photo: WINTECC Project

As unlikely as this seems if this system can generate the equivalent towing power of 6,800 hp it’s got to be worth investigating… 6,800 hp uses a lot of fuel.

To think that these SkySails genesis was in the late 60’s as a Spaceship recovery system, first built and tested in Cape Canaveral, Florida; later to be known as The Kennedy Space Center. But it took Skydivers to sort out the opening problems and to develop both the materials and the designs… but wait there’s more, I was one of those early test Jumpers who jumped those first not so reliable nor safe parachutes; a problem largely solved by Greg Yarbenet ‘74ish, but I had a whole lot of fun jumping those first ’square’ parachutes in 1970 in Australia, now you know I got a smile on my dial. :)

POST CONTINUES

Harnessing the Wind to tow Ships
Photo: Telegraph UK via Stumble

“Of all known concepts for effective and sustainable alternative propulsion of merchant vessels, SkySails represents the only suitable model: no bothersome masts on deck, no restriction of stowage space, no hindrances to loading and discharging, no risk to the crew, cargo or ship as well as reliable overall performance. Utilisation of wind energy by means of the towing kite makes it possible to provide relief to the main engine – 10 to 15 percent less bunker consumption is expected in the initial phase of operation. The MV “Beluga SkySails” is equipped with a kite measuring 160 square metres. Later, when the sail is scaled up to 320 square metres in the course of the coming year in order to increase efficiency on the high seas, potential savings of 20 to 30 percent are definitely feasible and realistic. Beluga Shipping GmbH initially reckons with a reduction in the existing bunker costs for the vessels diesel fuel within a low four-digit US dollar range per day of operation of the towing kite system.

In the case of two larger multi purpose heavy lift project carriers of the Beluga P1- series, which are to be equipped with SkySails systems in the near future, too, and are currently under construction, kites having a sail area of as much as 600 square metres will then be used. On this basis, fuel savings in the dimension of up to ten tons daily can be anticipated according to present-day estimates, corresponding to a reduction in ship voyage expenses of over 6,000 US dollars.”

Website: WINTECC Project



Written by Beam · Filed Under Energy 

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