Cargo ship with metal sails would save 30 percent fuel

(Credit:
University of Tokyo)

Can wind energy really power modern cargo ships? We’ve seen the idea of hybrid freighters before, but this concept from the University of Tokyo has a remarkable sail system.

A model of the UT Wind Challenger was recently shown off at the Sea Japan trade show in Tokyo. It would have giant telescoping sails that rise above the deck when wind conditions are good.

As seen in the vid below, University of Tokyo professor Kiyoshi Uzawa and collaborators believe this hybrid system could cut fuel consumption by cargo ships by about 30 percent.

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The rigid sails would be 164 feet tall and 65 feet wide, made of aluminum and fiber-reinforced plastic. Consisting of five … [Read more]

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