SkySails

SkySails, a German company from Hamburg, is developing wind propulsion systems for cargo ships and superyachts.


The SkySails system consists basically of a fully automated towing kite propulsion connected to the ship via a towing rope.

The planned product range contains towing kite propulsion systems with a nominal propulsion power of up to 5,000 kW (about 6,800 HP).
Most large ships can be easily fitted with the SkySails.

It is used meant to be used offshore, if the wind conditions allow, in addition to the propulsion of the ship’s engine, making it more profitable, safer and independent.
The SkySails system actually improves the ship's behavior at sea significantly.

On annual average fuel costs can be lowered between 10-35% depending on actual wind conditions and actual time deployed. Under optimal wind conditions, fuel consumptions can temporarily be reduced up to 50%.

During tests made on a 800-ton testing ship, it was calculated that fuel savings of up to 1200 liters per day can be made on ships of this size by using only an 80-square-meter towing kite. “Correspondingly, and based on the latest testing results, towing kites with double the surface area can save up to 2400 liters of fuel a day,” as reported by SkySails managing director Stephan Wrage.

Humphreys Yacht Design, together with SkySails, did exhibit the concept for a high-performance hybrid super yacht at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show.
Powered by SkySails, a 40-meter trimaran can reach speeds of up to 18 knots without the help of its main engine, and up to 30 knots with the main engine.
Additionally, with SkySails a shaft-driven generator can be activated, which charges batteries that can supply the main diesel-electric propulsion as needed.
Yacht owners can now sail in a way that is ecologically responsible, without having to sacrifice the comfort they’ve come to enjoy.
And, this type of propulsion provides owners a high degree of security and independence in times of crisis.

The SkySails-System is to be installed on the heavy-lift multi purpose carrier MV "Beluga SkySails".
This 140m long cargo vessel belongs to the Beluga Group, a shipping company in Bremen, and is taking up regular operation in international shipping in early 2008.

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SkySails