Harnessing the Power of Kites to Reduce Shipping Emissions
French company Airseas has developed Seawing, a kite-like device that can be attached to cargo ships to reduce fuel consumption and cut carbon emissions by 20%. The 1,000-square-meter kite flies 300 meters above the water and is controlled by an automated system. The wing flies in a figure eight pattern, multiplying its pulling power, and harnesses wind that is 50% more powerful at that height. The technology can be retrofitted to existing ships and has received funding from the EU. Airseas hopes to have the technology fully operational by the end of 2025.