By Sarah Rich, Source: Ecogeek

vindskip
In another approach to improve cargo ship design using wind power, Lade AS has developed plans to construct a hybrid cargo ship. The Vindskip, (“wind ship” in Norwegian) would use its own hull to channel wind as a sail or airplane wing does. Powered partially by a natural-gas fired engine, the external design of the ship would generate lift to assist its forward movement. In order to travel in the most optimal conditions possible, Vindskip’s systems would constantly calculate both the direction and speed of the wind. Using the “apparent wind” (the wind as moving objects experience it), Lade AS claims, these systems would allow Vindskip to have a positive pull at a minimum of 45 percent of its time en route, traveling at speeds of +16 knots.

The company estimates this design would reduce emissions by 80 percent and fuel costs by 60 percent. While a small model was tested at Cranfield University’s wind tunnel with success, the projected efficiencies have yet to be tested at full scale.