The first kite-towed cargo ship in the world set off from the German port of Bremerhaven in the North Sea yesterday.
The MS Beluga SkySails, a 132m long diesel-powered freighter, will use the kite to cut fuel consumption on its journey to Venezuela.
The parachute-shaped kite is 160 square metres large, computer-controlled and was made by Hamburg-based company SkySails.
"We aim to prove it pays to protect the environment," said industrial engineer Stephan Wrage.
The 34-year-old inventor hopes the experiment can wipe 20 per cent from the ship's daily fuel consumption.
"Showing that ecology and economics are not contradictions motivates us all."
He said the invention could potentially be used by at least 60 per cent of the world's 100,000 commercial vessels.
The kite offers an advantage over traditional sails, as it doesn’t depend on the wind direction to pull the vessel; also, it doesn’t hinder a freight ship’s loading and unloading.
The ship is expected to arrive in Guanta after an 18-day transatlantic journey.
