Michelin Develops Inflatable Sail System To Make Ships Less Dependent On Fuels
Image via Michelin
While most of us may know Michelin for its tires, it’s thrown its hat into the shipping sector in the name of sustainable mobility.
The company recently unveiled its ‘Wing Sail Mobility’ (WISAMO) project, which features an automated, telescopic, inflatable sail system that can be installed on most merchant ships and pleasure craft. Michelin designed and developed the sails as part of a partnership with two Swiss inventors.
“The advantage of wind propulsion is that wind energy is clean, free, universal and totally non-controversial,” said Michel Desjoyaux, ambassador of the project.
By harnessing wind energy, the sails will propel ships with lower fuel consumption and, hence, reducing carbon emissions. According to Michelin, the system can help improve a ship’s fuel efficiency by up to 20% and “can be used on every maritime shipping route.”
The first WISAMO system will be fitted on a merchant ship in 2022, and will go into production following a trial phase. Take a look below at how the system works.
[via Michelin, cover image via Michelin]
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