In an unprecedented move, the United States Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC) has charteres a kite-assisted, fuel-saving cargo ship. The MV Beluga SkySails, which departed Newport, Wales on October 5th, will carry military equipment, The ship will stop in three European ports of call to load cargo from the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force before it embarks on its month-long trip to the United States. Powered by a giant, computer-controlled kite, the 400-foot long Beluga SkySails in the world’s first cargo ship to use such a sail. The kite can rise 100 yards into the air and uses wind currents to augment the ships propellers during long ocean voyages. The MSC is no stranger to chartering commercial ships for its missions, but this is the first time it has chartered such a ship. The benefit, according to the ship’s operating company, is the savings in fuel which can be reduced by 205 to 30% saving the company approximately $1600 a day. The company’s savings allowed it to place a more attractive bid for the MSC contract. Navy Captain Nick Holman, commander of Sealift Logistics Command Europe, said the MSC was proud to be collaborating on such innovations in commercial maritime transport.
In an unprecedented move, the United States Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC) has charteres a kite-assisted, fuel-saving cargo ship. The MV Beluga SkySails, which departed Newport, Wales on October 5th, will carry military equipment, The ship will stop in three European ports of call to load cargo from the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force before it embarks on its month-long trip to the United States. Powered by a giant, computer-controlled kite, the 400-foot long Beluga SkySails in the world’s first cargo ship to use such a sail. The kite can rise 100 yards into the air and uses wind currents to augment the ships propellers during long ocean voyages. The MSC is no stranger to chartering commercial ships for its missions, but this is the first time it has chartered such a ship. The benefit, according to the ship’s operating company, is the savings in fuel which can be reduced by 205 to 30% saving the company approximately $1600 a day. The company’s savings allowed it to place a more attractive bid for the MSC contract. Navy Captain Nick Holman, commander of Sealift Logistics Command Europe, said the MSC was proud to be collaborating on such innovations in commercial maritime transport.
