A Swedish company is developing a 200 metre long wind powered cargo ship. It will have an engine as a backup, but aims to save 90% of carbon emissions compared to a conventional ship. It’s expected to cost more than a conventional car carrier but operation costs are expected to be lower. New technologies, such as wing sails and tougher, lighter materials may enable a fuller shift to wind. The design could also be applied as a cruise vessel.
Shipping accounted for 2.9% of man-made greenhouse gas in 2018, and the industry’s share of planet-heating emissions has been rising in recent years. Many shipping companies trying to cut emissions are seeking a boost from sails, kites or Flettner rotors – tall spinning tubes that help push a ship forward in much the same way as wings on a plane provide lift. They can typically cut fuel use by 5% to 20%.
www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/12/swedish-firm-wind-powered-cargo-ships/