Hamburg-based SkySails says that it has concluded an agreement with German multipurpose and heavy lift operator BBC Chartering to fit a towing kite system to one of BBC’s ships.
A recently-acquired 9,821dwt multipurpose vessel named BBC SkySails has been fitted with the latest prototype of the SkySails auxiliary wind propulsion system, using a 320m2 kite. SkySails says that in favourable wind conditions the system can deliver power that is equivalent to an engine load of some 2,000kW. The company says that the opportunity to use a wind-assisted ship can offer charter clients a ‘greener’ approach to sea transport.
Besides fostering ‘green shipping’ awareness, the company reports that the cooperation “also follows the goal to further probe and improve the practical application of the towing kite system on board.”
