Jan 25Kites…tugging tankers??

• By Laura in Blogroll,

The world’s first commercial cargo ship partially powered by a giant kite is setting sail from Germany to Venezuela. The innovative designers of the MS Beluga Skysails state the computer-controlled kite, measuring 160sq m, could cut fuel consumption by as much as 20%.

They also hope the kite will help reduce carbon dioxide emissions, as it tugs the ship. Fuel burnt by ships accounts for 4% of global CO2 emissions – twice as much as the aviation industry produces.

Lets hope this new sustainable invention takes off!