French companies are looking to employ wind technology, initially inspired by kitesurfing, to propel various types of water vessels, including yachts and cargo ships. This move comes as the shipping industry faces mounting pressure to decrease its reliance on fossil fuels, with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) recently finalizing a deal to raise emissions-reduction targets. In Arcachon Bay, a startup called Beyond The Sea conducted a test using a blue inflatable kite sail, comparable in size to a small studio, to tow a specially-designed catamaran across the water. Founder Yves Parlier, a former winner of transatlantic sailing competitions, utilized kitesurfing terminology to communicate with his team of engineers who controlled the 25-square-meter kite. The kite on Parlier’s SeaKite catamaran operates using an automated traction system, featuring winches and artificial intelligence that adapts the sail’s position based on wind conditions. The ultimate goal is to develop larger kite sails capable of pulling yachts, trawlers, and even container ships. Parlier asserts that this system of traction has the potential to reduce fuel consumption by an average of 20 percent. Given the vast number of merchant ships and fishing trawlers worldwide, the market for this technology could be worth four billion euros by 2030, with approximately 1,400 vessels equipped with kite sails, according to the Wind Ship association.
Beyond The Sea plans to conduct similar tests in Norway, Japan, and the Mediterranean next year, utilizing their specially-designed kites. Executive Director Marc Thienpont hopes to increase the size of the kites each year, aiming to reach 800 square meters within four years. The shipping industry urgently needs to find alternatives to fossil fuels, as emphasized by the IMO’s recent commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by close to 2050. The organization has set progressive reduction targets of at least 20 percent by 2020 and at least 70 percent by 2040 compared to 2008 levels. While some climate campaigners argue that these goals are insufficient in combating global warming, they reflect a step in the right direction. Airseas, another French company, is also testing kite technology. Backed by European aviation giant Airbus, Airseas aims to develop a kite with a span of 500 square meters, which it hopes to double in size for larger ships. The company has already fitted out a bulk carrier for Japanese firm K. Line, its largest client, which has placed five orders for its Seawing. Airseas has also equipped a roll-on, roll-off ship that transports equipment for Airbus between the ports of Saint-Nazaire in France and Mobile in Alabama.
Additional innovations in the industry include the Solid Sail, designed by French firm Chantiers de l’Atlantique for ocean liners. This sail is composed of panels attached to a rigid structure that can be inclined to allow ships to pass under bridges. Ayro manufactures semi-rigid sails, one of which is used on the cargo ship Canopee to transport components of the Ariane 6 launcher from Europe to French Guiana. Some French shipping companies have taken a different approach by solely utilizing wind power, such as Zephyr et Boree, Windcoop, Neoline, and Towt. Wind Ship’s Lise Detrimont asserts that France possesses the operational maturity necessary to commercialize these adapted kites and sails. However, the sector’s attractiveness is currently hindered by the low price of heavy fuel oil. Detrimont explains that maritime transport appears cost-effective until environmental regulations are enforced. Additionally, the high cost of carbon-free fuel presents a challenge, as it is five to seven times more expensive than conventional fuel oil. Detrimont suggests a hybrid approach, combining the use of carbon-free fuel with sailing. The sector is currently in discussions with the French government to recognize wind as a fuel. If wind technology is officially recognized, it is estimated that over 30,000 jobs will be created in the industry by 2030.
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