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Saturday, February 7th, 2015

Wind-powered freighters

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Publication Date:     Jan 05, 2015
 Link: Wind-powered freighters
Stephan:   We tend to think of ships in pretty set and conventional ways. If I say a freighter you probably immediately have a an image in your mind. But one of the most interesting aspects of the conversion out of the carbon energy era is the development of wind-powered ships. This is not a small deal. As the report explains 90 per cent of the worlds trading goods move by ship at some point. This new technology it is estimated will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 80 per cent.
The hull of the cargo ship VindskipTM acts as a large wing sail. Credit: LADE AS

The hull of the cargo ship VindskipTM acts as a large wing sail.
Credit: LADE AS

To make ships more eco-efficient, engineers have been working with alternative fuels. A Norwegian engineer is currently pursuing a new approach: With VindskipTM, he has designed a cargo ship that is powered by wind and gas. Software developed by Fraunhofer researchers will ensure an optimum use of the available wind energy at any time. 

International shipping is transporting 90 percent of all goods on earth. Running on heavy fuel oil freighters contribute to pollution. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) wants to reduce the environmental impact of ocean liners. One of the measures: Starting from 2020, ships will only be allowed to use fuel containing maximum 0.1 percent sulfur in their fuel in certain areas. However, the higher-quality fuel with less sulfur is more expensive than the heavy fuel oil which is currently used. Shipping […]

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