Kite-Powered Cargo Ships: Maersk’s 21st-Century Sailors

Emerging Tech Debates

This podcast episode discuss the increasing need for the maritime shipping industry, responsible for a significant portion of global carbon emissions, to transition towards decarbonisation, driven by ambitious targets from bodies like the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Maersk, a major shipping company, is highlighted for its strong commitment to net-zero emissions by 2040 and its exploration of various wind-assisted propulsion technologies as a key part of this strategy. The sources examine kite-powered cargo ships as a potentially transformative solution that leverages high-altitude winds for significant fuel savings and emissions reduction, noting that while other companies are actively developing this technology, Maersk's current public focus is on implementing suction sail technology after a successful trial of rotor sails. Although kite technology presents operational and safety challenges, its potential economic and environmental benefits, including aligning with regulatory incentives, position it as a valuable complementary solution alongside alternative fuels like green methanol in the industry's broader efforts to achieve a sustainable future.