Reducing the carbon footprint of trade by sea

While proportionally a small percentage of human emissions, the emissions of seafaring trade currently amounts to roughly 2% of our emissions.

The thing is, that with the huge advances in wind technology it would be possible to save a great deal of money and emissions.

A recent test of a ship kite, was found to save 10-15% (the creater of one of these systems suggested saving of 20% or more) of the fuel per day, a saving of $1000-1500 – which is quite something. While the kite systems currently cost a million or so, this will still be paid of in a couple of years. Furthermore this price is likely to fall as the technology becomes more mainstream.

Cargo ship being pulled by a kite photo by Yves Parlier click for licence details

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