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Sail-powered cargo ship 'shows potential of wind'

Using sails reduced ship's fuel use and carbon dioxide emissions, company data indicates.

Cargill says the ship spent half a year sailing the Indian and Pacific Oceans and the North and South Atlantic, during which time it used on average three tonnes less fuel each day. "We believe technologies that harness the wind could be an important, cost-effective way to achieve our decarbonisation goals in the short, medium and long-term," said Jan Dieleman, president of Cargill's Ocean Transportation business. Mr Gordon said other firms were exploring alternative energy-saving technologies, such as flettner rotors - a system of spinning cylinders first conceived 100 years ago and now enjoying a limited renaissance.

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