From Superinnovators 09/11/23. This article is in TLDR (Too Long Didn’t Read) format which is popular in the innovation community and provides a bullet summary of information.
- A leap in maritime technology: The Seawing by Airseas is a kite that tows ships, harnessing wind power to reduce reliance on fuel. It represents a significant step towards sustainable maritime transport.
- Innovative origins: Airseas, an offshoot of Airbus, created the Seawing to bring aerospace expertise to maritime challenges. The company was founded in 2016, with the Seawing reaching a pivotal traction flight milestone in 2023.
- Progressive trials: The Seawing’s successful sea trials were conducted on the Ville de Bordeaux, demonstrating its capability to assist in ship propulsion. These trials are essential in moving from concept to commercial reality.
- Operational mechanics: The Seawing system automates the deployment, operation, and retraction of a kite 300 metres above sea level. This process generates traction, propelling the vessel and optimising fuel efficiency. The kite flies autonomously in controlled patterns, often described as dynamic ‘figure-eight’ maneuvers. These patterns are optimised to maximise wind energy capture and, consequently, the traction force exerted on the ship.
- Environmental impact: Addressing the urgent need for decarbonisation in shipping, the Seawing aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions. The innovation comes as the industry faces increasing regulatory pressure to reduce its environmental footprint.
- Economic and ecological benefits: With the Seawing, ships can expect an estimated 20% savings in fuel and emissions. The system’s deployment is swift, taking only 30 minutes, and operates at altitudes where winds are stronger and more consistent.
- Vision for expansion: Airseas is set to scale up to large-scale production by 2026, with the ambition to equip numerous vessels under a long-term agreement with “K” Line. The goal is to have the Seawing widely available by 2031, contributing to the global effort of maritime decarbonisation.
