DSM invests in wind propulsion firm Skysails
10 Feb 2011
The corporate venturing unit of Royal DSM, DSM Venturing, is investing an undisclosed sum in Skysails, a Germany-based manufacturer of wind propulsion systems for the marine industry.
SkySails’ systems for the marine industry are based on large automated towing kites and can help ship’s reduce annual fuel costs and emissions by 10-35%, says the firm. Under optimal wind conditions, fuel consumption can temporarily be cut by up to 50%, it adds.
The investment is part of an ongoing cooperation between the two companies. DSM Dyneema and SkySails, along with rope manufacturer Gleistein, have already been working on developing high performance rope for wind propulsion systems.
In a statement, DSM Dyneema president Gerard de Reuver, said: “We are very pleased to extend our involvement with SkySails. With the development of its advanced kite based system, the company succeeded in establishing itself as a leader in the commercialization of wind propulsion solutions.”
