Cargill reveals name of the world’s largest kite-powered vessel

Cargill has signed an agreement with Greek ship owner/manager Anbros Maritime S.A. (Anbros) to install the world’s largest kite on its Aghia Marina dry bulk cargo vessel. The Aghia Marina typically transports cargoes of agricultural and industrial raw materials. The 170 metre long carrier, built in 1994, has a service speed of up to 14 knots and can carry about 28,500 tons of dry bulk cargoes at any one time, making it the largest vessel to use the wind power technology created by SkySails GmbH (SkySails). Last February, Cargill announced it had signed a supply agreement with SkySails that aims to use wind power technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the shipping industry. SkySails, based in Hamburg, has developed an innovative, patented technology that uses a kite which flies ahead of the vessel and generates enough propulsion to reduce consumption of bunker fuel by up to 35% in ideal sailing conditions.Cargill, one of the world’s largest charterers of dry bulk freight, is an international producer and marketer of food, agricultural, financial and industrial products and services. Its ocean transportation business is based in Geneva, Switzerland. (July 5, 2011)