Copyright - SkySails GmbH & Co. KG
Could cruise ships harness the power of wind at sea to reduce their fuel consumption and environmental impact? New technology from Germany based company SkySails has been tested and is currently in use on several cargo vessels. The company states that depending on prevailing wind conditions, a ship’s average annual fuel costs can be reduced by 10 to 35 percent by using the SkySails system.
Unlike a standard sail which is attached to a fixed mast near sea level; a high performance kite is tethered to the ship and flies at altitudes of 300 to 1,000 feet in order to capture stronger and more stable winds. Via a computer control system in the bridge, the kite maneuvers in a dynamic “figure 8″ pattern which generates 5 to 25 times more power than a conventional sails. A telescopic mast stores, launches and recovers the kite and these mostly automated processes takes from 10 to 20 minutes each.
So, can this system be implemented on a cruise ship? According to SkySails Press Coordinator Anne Staack, at the moment they do not have the capacity to work on future projects for passenger cruise ships. However, it just seems logical that the technology could be transferred from cargo to cruise ships with relative ease. After all cruise ships weigh, in deadweight tonnage, drastically less than a loaded cargo ship. Further pressing of the issue garnered some unfortunate news from Ms. Staack, “…because the system’s efficiency decreases as the speed of the ship increases. At today’s oil price, using the system for ship speeds above 18 knots is only a sensible option in exceptional cases.”
Not yet deterred, but realizing that most modern cruise ships have a typical cruising speed from 19 to 23 knots, the answer may rest upon the “exceptional” case. Additionally, the port intensive itineraries of many cruises likely excludes the majority from any cost effective benefits from the use of the SkySails system. Although the mostly automated aspect, as well as short kite launch and recovery times, conveys a sense of hope. A more probable cruise ship application might be aboard one of the regular or semi-regular trans-ocean cruise itineraries.
The Cunard Line Queen Mary 2 comes to mind first as a potential candidate with her well known and regular trans-Atlantic crossings. An average cruising speed of approximately 26 knots and a top speed near 30 knots almost certainly eliminates her from contention. Although, a friend was aboard the QM2 recently and Deputy Captain Othello had told him that the average crossing speed was more in the range of 23 knots.
The Princess Cruises Golden Princess is another possibility as she makes many a long Pacific Ocean journey from Los Angeles to Hawaii and back each year. Confirmation of her typical average speed at sea was not available as of the date of this post. However, her average cruising speed is stated at 21 knots. If similar to the QM2, and her actual average speed is a bit lower, we just might have the perfect SkySails test cruise ship!
Regardless, the technology of the SkySails system appears ripe for application or further development on cruise ships. The cruise lines, along with the cruise ship builders should work together with SkySails to make this cost saving and environmentally friendly source of power a reality. The science and economic factors behind this system seem so readily adaptable from cargo to cruise ships that the industry may just need a nudge in the right direction.
Imagine being aboard aboard a cruise ship and watching the interesting process as the kite is deployed or retrieved. Many experienced cruisers crave the next new exciting ship or itinerary and “collect” those experiences. There are certainly quicker ways to cross the vast oceans, but sailing a kite ship for the first time would be something to brag about. Generating positive press from the environmental friendly elements as well as the wow factor would surely bolster the success of a staid or start-up cruise line, ship or itinerary.
Potentially none of the above reasons are sufficient on their own to merits to move a cruise line to take action. The bottom line is… wind is cheaper than fuel. A cruise line that can decrease their fuel costs and thereby increase profitability, or obtain a competitive pricing advantage, will likely be the trail blazer. Capitalism at it’s best.
Can you think of another cruise line, ship or itinerary that might be an ideal candidate for the SkySails system? Please post your ideas and / or comments below…
Henry M
July 28, 2010
I think the sails could be effectively used on ships that do lengthy world cruises, like many of the luxury lines such as Regent, Crystal, Seabourn, Silversea, etc.
Suzy
August 1, 2010
It’s amazing they could potentially cruise major ships with just kites essentially.
Cruises Fan
August 17, 2010
I think it will be a while before cruise ships decide to make these changes. Firstly they probably all reject the idea because of the cost involved
Lisa Rivers
March 16, 2011
“I can’t wait for the oil wells to run dry, for the last gob of black, sticky muck to come oozing out of some remote well. Then the glory of sail will return.” -Triston Jones