SkySails has invented a method that could cut down on ‘fuel
consumption, costs and carbon footprints’ for commercial ships
by developing giant kites. The Raw Story reports: The blue-
hulled vessel would slip by unnoticed on most seas if not for
the white kite, high above her prow, towing her to what its
creators hope will be a bright, wind-efficient future. The
enormous kite, which looks like a paraglider, works in tandem
with the ship’s engines, cutting back on fuel consumption,
costs, and carbon footprint. “Using kites you can harness more
energy than with any other type of wind-powered equipment,” said
German inventor Stephan Wrage, whose company SkySails is looking
for lift-off on the back of worldwide efforts to boost renewable
energy. The 160-square-metre (524-square-foot) kite, tethered to
a yellow rope, can sail 500 metres into the skies where winds
are both stronger and more stable, according to the 38-year-old
Wrage. The secret to the kite’s efficiency lies in its speed and
computer-controlled flight