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New Golden age of Sailing

New Golden age of Sailing

Exciting ocean-bound wind-powered technologies lie at the heart of a trio of exciting projects in a new era of yachting innovation 

Oceanic transportation is benefiting from pioneering advances in satellite technology, robotics, communications and A.I with wind propulsion earmarked as the next big thing. Wind - the dynamo behind shipping for centuries - is making a big comeback, using hard sails, kites and rotating cylinders. Within a decade, the world should be dominated by low-polluted wind-powered vessels as shipbuilders continue to innovate new high-tech energy systems. However, to help the global community meet the Climate Change goals of the Paris Agreement, new fuels will also need to be introduced, such as ammonia, green hydrogen and electrification. Bill Gates is already developing ideas around nuclear-powered propulsion. These following three projectshave been hailed as some of the most exciting developments in wind-assisted propulsion. 

Swedish designed Oceanbjrd uses hard sails to transport cargo and has been tipped to cross the Atlantic in 12 days and achieving a 90% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. Slated to be a regular on our by oceans by 2024, tests involving small scale models of the Oceanbird are currently underway in Sweden. Built using wing sails from a mixture of metal and composite at 80 meters high - twice the height of those on the largest sailing vessels around today - the vessels retractable sails can be reduced to a height of 45 meters. Engines are fitted for emergency operations and manoeuvres in and out of port. The project is supported by the Swedish Transport Administration, which is acting as a co-financier, and is a collaboration with experts from the public and private sectors and academia.  

Giant kites are key features in a number of new developments by several companies who are keen to exploit greater wind-speeds at a height much taller than those of traditional sails. Key investors in this area include French company Airbus and German company SkySails. One of the most exciting projects is Airbus AirSeas, which has brought together environmentally-engaged company engineers with a common passion for aeronautics and the sea. The concept of SeaWing is exploring the use of inflatable kites to aid propulsion instead of relying purely on heavy fuel - forecasts are for a 20 per cent reduction of fuel costs on each trans Atlantic voyage. Launched by a flick of a switch, SeaWing unfurl automatic as they are deployed. They operate autonomously, usinga data that system collects and analyses meteorological and oceanic data to ensure the kites reach optimum capability performance. SeaWing automatically refolds in preparation for its next use.

In 2015, a project backed by French car manufacturer Renault, and involving several large French shipbuilders, developed some innovative new sail designs. Key considerations for Neoline Project for new designs include practical considerations such as existing bridge infrastructure. Advanced sail designs have been produced for the transAtlantic route, allowing for large vessels and featuring bendable masts. Relying solely on energy generated through propulsion by sail, Neoline offers a 90 percent reduction in CO2 emissions.

Green, Lean and Clean

Green, Lean and Clean

Ferrari of the Seas

Ferrari of the Seas