Wind Beneath Your Sails

Since Seattle and other Northwest cities like Bremerton and Everett rest along the shores of the Puget Sound, we have the opportunity to watch cargo ships enter and leave our ports, attributing to our area's economy. Our offices are located in West Seattle, so each day we drive parallel to Elliott Bay where hundreds of goods are transported each day. With as much action as our waters undergo, one has to wonder what effect each ship has on our environment. Recently we came across something quite unique that could change the way cargo ships travel from port to port. Meet SkySails. That's right, just like a sailboat moves through the waters by the force of wind against its sails, now the same energy source is being used to move large vessels.

It's a simple fact: wind is cheaper than oil and the most cost-effective offshore energy source. Yet, despite its attractive saving potential, it is not presently being used by cargo ships - for a simple reason: so far no sailing system has met the requirements of commercial shipping.

SkySails is now offering a wind propulsion system based on large towing kites, which, for the first time, meets the requirements of shipping companies. 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%.

So the next time you drive past a water port, be on the lookout for a "sailing" ship. You never know what the wind might bring.