Japanese shipping line Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line) has demonstrated its faith in the Seawing automatic kite system developed by ship propulsion specialist Airseas and placed an order for three additional units that will be installed on three post-Panamax bulkers.
The carrier has already opted for the technology for two of its capesize bulkers.
The Seawing integrated solution combines kite technology with an automated flight control system developed by the aerospace industry to harness the power of the wind. Safe, clean, reliable and compact, the system can be used easily by virtually any commercial ship to reduce emissions and fuel consumption by an average of 20%, says Airseas.
“This will be one of our efforts to achieve our 2050 net-zero GHG reduction target,” says a K Line spokesperson.
The first system is scheduled to be operational on a capesize bulker in December this year.
