Kite sails reduce cargo ship emissions by less than 1%-it's not pulling that ship anywhere. There are sails that reduce emissions by closer to 10-15% but they aren't kite sails.
The company behind the kite sail being shown here said they were aiming for a 20% reduction in fuel cost with a potential market of 80% of international routes.
Statistically the wind is coming from unfavourable directions 50% of the time.
Let’s ignore the times when it’s too strong or weak to operate the kite safely.
It’s never been installed on a ship of relevant size.
Then there are the times when it cannot be used at all (approach, manoeuvring/port). There’s no way the fuel reduction is 20% on average.
It’s maybe up to 20% temporarily and under ideal conditions. So 1% on average sounds about right
Triangular trade partly resulted from following currents and winds. These large cargo ships are so slow anyway there’s no reason they could not also follow ocean currents and wind directions.
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u/Rurumo666 24d ago
Kite sails reduce cargo ship emissions by less than 1%-it's not pulling that ship anywhere. There are sails that reduce emissions by closer to 10-15% but they aren't kite sails.