A historic international agreement to reduce shipping emissions was abandoned after US and Saudi pressure, delaying efforts to regulate the industry and combat climate change, with key countries abstaining or opposing the deal.
French company Airseas is developing the Seawing, a 1,000 square meter kite that will fly 300 meters above the water's surface, to help cargo ships reduce fuel consumption and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20%. The kite will be automated and easy to use for crews, taking pressure off the ship's engines and reducing the need for fuel. Shipping is responsible for 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, more than the airline industry, making it a significant target for emission reduction efforts. Japanese shipping company "K" Line has already placed orders for the Seawing kite, and the European Union has invested over $2 million in funding.