With oil prices soaring suddenly even new interpretations of old technologies get some attention. Sky Sails has been reinventing the wheel for modern transport ships. Their idea is basically a hybrid (watch the video - it’s in German, but easy to grasp): normal engine for less windy days - plus a computer controlled super sail for windy or even stormy hours. This should save 10% to 35% for a ships operation for a year.

The sail is made my with a super durable material to withstand the extreme pull. I really hope this becomes a widespread technology. In our global economy we need shipping now more than ever - if we can save some fuel as well that would be brilliant. Especially shipping from and to China is a hell of a journey.