Ship kite propulsion system

automatic

HARNESS THE POWER OF WIND TO REDUCE FUEL COSTS Wind is the cheapest, most powerful, and greenest source of energy on the high seas, and the best solution to turn shipping more sustainable. The wind-assisted ship propulsion system from SkySails uses the power of wind to tow ships with large kites. SkySails employed kites of up to 400 m², replacing up to 2MW of propulsion power from the main engine. SkySails kites fly at altitudes of up to 400 meters and can thus take advantage of the strong and constant high-altitude wind that is not reduced by friction with the water surface. Besides, the flight maneuvers controlled by the autopilot and performed in front of the ship increase the kite´s airspeed to a multiple of the true wind speed. The SkySails propulsion system therefore generates five to 25 times the propulsive force per square meter of surface area compared to normal sails. HOW IT WORKS The ship’s officers operate the SkySails propulsion system using the control computer installed on the bridge. During flight mode, the autopilot software ensures that the kite flies defined patterns based on wind direction and velocity, as well as the speed of the ship, so that it generates optimal propulsion. The launch and recovery process is widely automated and requires only a few simple actions on the foredeck by the ship´s crew. KITE The towing kite is the heart of the SkySails propulsion system. Steered by the control pod, the towing kite performs regular dynamic flight maneuvers in the air in front of the ship to generate tractive force.