Well it is too early for an April fools so it must be true. A supertanker being pulled along by a giant kite.
Kitesurfers have long enjoyed the freedom of surfing behind a ram air or inflatable edge kite - well the big boys have started to look at the technology too.
With the increased in the cost of diesel oil and the drive towards environmentally friendly transport the shipping companies have been looking at alternative ways of powering their vessels.
SkySails is the first company to launch a wind driven system using large course kites.
By using the SkySails-System, a ship‘s fuel costs can be reduced by 10- 35% on annual average, depending on wind conditions. Under optimal wind conditions, fuel consumption can temporarily be reduced by up to 50%. Even on a small, 87 metre cargo ship, savings of up to 280,000 euros can be made annually.
In 2007 the first SkySails-Systems with towing-kite areas of up to 320m² for cargo vessels, superyachts and fish trawlers will be available. Series production will start in 2008.
We can't wait to see one of these tankers hacking up the English Channel!
Kitesurfing just got bigger
Superyacht and kitesurfing - wicked combination!
More info: www.skysails.info
