Power of ancient sails
This commercial ship, partly powered by a giant kite, set off on its maiden voyage from the German city Bremen to Venezuela in the third week of January. Designers of the vessel, MS Beluga Skysails, say its computer-controlled kite measures about 160 square metres and will help cut the ship's fuel consumption by 20 per cent. This means the kite could help the ship save up to US $1,600 from its daily fuel bill. The kite combines modern technology with the traditional know-how to harness powerful ocean winds far above the surface and supports the engine.