14 DAY TRIAL // Nowadays, when more and more organizations fight the coal-dependency and the increased amount of CO2 emissions, The Committee on Climate Change advised the major players which operate in the shipping industry to return to the benefits of wind energy, in order to decrease the impact of their carbon footprint.
In the 19th century, this wind-powered naval industry represented one of the most profitable lines of business, since it made considerable profit margins carrying passengers and merchandise across the oceans.
Throughout the 20th century, sail has been replaced by Steam power.
Replacing coal power with a renewable source of energy with an unlimited potential could be one of the most eco-conscious, cost-effective measures that have been proposed or implemented in the past few years.
Since one can't build its future without remembering the past, experts think about brining back the “ancient” technology and improving it by adding innovative features like a sort of aircraft wings or enormous “towing kites” which would rely on the benefits of sustainable, clean and safe wind energy.
A-five-year study led by a team of researchers from he Technical University of Berlin analyzed throughout time the advantages of sails and other wind-powered devices and they reached the conclusion that this safe green technique, once implemented on a large scale will manage to save up to 44% of the budget established for this field of activity.
Also, besides the fact that it would be a cost-effective innovation, it could also guarantee a major cut of the carbon footprint.
“There is a wide range of technology which can be used to cut emissions,” declared David Baltson, the British Chamber of Shipping’s director of safety and environment.
By 2050, experts think that if their findings are being put into practice, the shipping industry could become up to 80% more earth-friendly.