German heavy cargo shipping specialist Beluga Shipping GmbH is trying to sail its way out of high oil prices with an innovative sail system that it hopes will immediately reduce cargo ships' fuel consumption by up to 15 per cent.
The system, used on a vessel called Beluga SkySails, looks more like a parasail parachute than a sail. Sitting in front of the vessel, the crescent-shaped towing kite measures 160m across and uses no masts, which means that it does not restrict loading operations, says the company.
The system, which is likely to save 10 to 15 per cent on fuel consumption by relieving pressure on the engine, will be increased to a 320sq m model later in the year with a corresponding increase in fuel savings. The company plans up to 600m versions for two further vessels.
"On this basis, fuel savings in the dimension of up to 10 tons daily can be anticipated according to present-day estimates, corresponding to a reduction in ship voyage expenses of over $6,000," said the company.
The Clean Cargo Group, a working group created by Business for Social Responsibility in 2001 to examine environmental efficiencies in transport, says that companies using ocean carriers within their supply chain are increasingly concerned about carbon emissions and soaring fuel costs.
"Anything that ocean carriers can do to improve that is a good example of the type of innovation that these shippers are looking for," said Raj Sapru, manager of advisory services for the working group.
As the SkySail prepared for its maiden voyage from Bremen to Venezuela this month, oil prices last week hit a record high of $100.09 per barrel.
As the International Maritime Organisation agrees new rules to curb air pollution from shipping, new figures suggest urgent action on carbon emissions is needed 08 Apr 2008
New standards governing emissions from cars and ships are facing fresh legal obstacles, but State remains confident they will be overcome 03 Mar 2008
German scientists have succeeded in analysing satellite data to measure European CO2 levels 26 Mar 2008
Building giant details plans to develop three more commercially viable zero carbon homes over next three years 16 May 2008
Toyota claims the iconic hybrid vehicle has helped cut global carbon emissions by approximately 4.5m tonnes in the last decade 16 May 2008
More news
After two decades of development countless nanotechnologies are fast approaching commercial viability – and they have the potential to redefine the clean tech sector 16 May 2008
Green business courses are springing up think and fast, but as Vanessa Crossgrove Fry warns it could still be several years before we see Green MBAs take their place in the largest firms 14 May 2008 More in-depth
Post your comment
Send an email to the Business Green editor at feedback@businessgreen.com
