German multipurpose and heavy-lift operator BBC Chartering has announced a co-operation agreement with Hamburg-based company SkySails to offer charter clients the possibility of more environmentally friendly sea transport with the recently acquired multipurpose vessel 'BBC SkySails'.
The 9,821DWT vessel is fitted with the latest prototype of the SkySails auxiliary wind propulsion system. The system uses a kite with a surface measuring 320 square metres, which can deliver an engine load relief of up to 2,000kW at favourable wind conditions.
According to BBC, the co-operation agreement is also intended to further probe and improve the practical application of the towing kite system on board. The company reports significant interest, both from single market participants and from industry associations seeking to strengthen environmental awareness.
