Merchant Vessel On Sails Saves Fuel

Wind Challenger, green energy, future watercraft
The Wind Challenger Project from the University of Tokyo is aimed at saving 30 percent of fuel consumption by large merchant vessels. The 50 meters high and 20 meters wide sails of the craft are to be retractable, made of aluminum or fiber reinforced plastic and each one individually controlled. Such a vessel is designed to be highly technological and superb in forecasting weather and monitoring maritime data to become a feasible and save ship. Computer simulations and wind-tunnel testing have shown that though the cost of each sail will equal approximately $2.5 million, the Wind Challenger will save enough energy to recover the expenditures in 5-6 years.
Via: designbuzz.com
Wind Challenger, green energy, future watercraft