CargoKite | Source: Splash247.com

Under the IMO’s Initial GHG Strategy, global shipping must reduce CO₂ emissions 40% by 2030 compared to 2008 levels. While alternative fuels such ammonia, hydrogen and methanol will need to replace higher emission fuels, it’s still unclear which fuel will be the most viable. Battery powered propulsion also presents an opportunity to move closer to zero-emission sailing, but batteries come with their own set of complications as detailed here.

While the industry awaits validation on which alternative fuel(s) will power the future, start-up Cargokite, is taking action today by conceptualizing its own zero-emissions cargo ships that run on wind energy and battery power. By combining these two forms of propulsion, Cargokite looks to complement the strengths and weaknesses of each form of propulsion in order to offer a functional emissions free vessel to the market.

CargoKite was founded in 2022 in Munich by Amelie Binder, Marcus Bischoff, and Tim Linnenweber, who met at the Technical University of Munich and share a vision for sustainable shipping. Amelie Binder, CEO, has a background in information systems and sustainable business. Marcus Bischoff, the CTO, combines his mechanical engineering expertise with personal experience as a kitesurfer, which inspired the kite-based propulsion model. Tim Linnenweber, COO, brings experience in engineering and operations management, focusing on logistics and project execution. Their innovation centers on “micro ships” that rely on large airborne kites for propulsion, providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cargo ships.

Cargokite is building autonomous micro-ships that leverage Airborne Wind Energy (AWE) by deploying kites at altitudes of 100 to 300 meters, where winds are stronger and more consistent, allowing the kite to capture wind energy effectively. This lift is then converted into thrust, serving as the ship’s main propulsion system and enabling efficient ocean navigation. By capitalizing on high-altitude wind energy, CargoKite maximizes propulsion efficiency with minimal energy consumption.

Currently, CargoKite is in the development phase , working on prototypes rather than fully operational vessels. Their partnership with Lomarlabs aims to advance these kite-powered ships into viable cargo carriers with the potential for both small and larger models that can reduce emissions and lower fuel costs.

But how do their kites work in instances of bad weather or insufficient wind? CargoKite’s insight is to include a battery powered electric propulsion system on their vessels to offer reliable power for navigation within harbors, through adverse weather, and for areas where wind energy may be insufficient. This system is designed to charge efficiently during regular kite operations, providing a seamless power supply for uninterrupted performance. By sourcing batteries from established manufacturers, these systems meet high standards of durability and energy efficiency, ensuring a stable auxiliary power source that complements the primary wind-based propulsion for consistent environmentally friendly operation.

In 2023, CargoKite’s latest prototype demonstrated a proof of concept with a nine meter catamaran equipped with a kite system and hydrofoils. This successful trial validated their approach and underscored its potential for the shipping industry.

Hydrofoils, positioned beneath the ship’s hull, function as underwater wings that lift the vessel slightly out of the water, effectively reducing drag by minimizing water contact. These hydrofoils are designed for active control, allowing them to adjust dynamically and counterbalance the forces generated by the Airborne Wind Energy (AWE) system. By achieving optimal lift and drag reduction, CargoKite’s hydrofoils enhance the vessel’s stability and efficiency.

While their ships are not designed to transport large volumes of cargo or sail over long distances, Cargokite looks to capitalize on decentralized trade which comprises of point-to-point connections between even the smallest ports. With micro-ships offering on-demand, traceable, individualized services for cargo, this approach moves away from fixed schedules, allowing individualized transport options that cater to businesses of all sizes. Additionally, the direct transport feature, with faster operations and no intermediate stops, reduces travel times by up to 40% with higher operation speed, offering a more efficient, flexible solution for modern logistics.

An example of a direct, decentralized shipping route similar to CargoKite’s concept of point-to-point small port connections could be short sea shipping networks commonly used in Europe. This approach allows goods to move across shorter distances within regions, such as from smaller ports in the Baltic Sea to local hubs across Northern Europe. These routes are part of an established short sea shipping system that avoids major transshipment hubs and offers more flexible, tailored delivery options that can be faster and more environmentally friendly than conventional deep-sea routes​.

CargoKite exemplifies what emission-free shipping can look like with its blend of sustainable technologies. Utilizing Airborne Wind Energy (AWE) for primary propulsion, hydrofoils to minimize drag, and a battery-electric system for auxilary power, CargoKite’s approach enables efficient, low-impact ocean transport. This combination not only reduces emissions but also offers a scalable, environmental solution for global logistics shipping. While their ships serve a specific route type and would not be able to meet the demand of high volume routes, CargoKite aligns modern maritime transport with urgent sustainability goals, setting an viable use case for green shipping practices.

Source:

CargoKite. https://cargokite.com/

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Contributor      : Vanisa Andienisara

Reviewer         : Imam Buchari