Benefits

Vessel layout independent from port related restrictions

The sailing part of the vessel does not need to obey to port-infrastructure restrictions concerning the rigging system, since this part will stay outside of the quayside. Moreover, the aerodynamic quality of the rigging system as well as its straightforward design, which are of importance for economic and robustness reasons, can be optimized without compromising on port-side related cargo handling aspects.

Vessels can operate within existing harbour infrastructure

Existing harbour infrastructure can be used without any adaptations for this new kind of vessel. The cargo holding part of the vessel, is build as a simple barge or as a self-propelled vessel and can be handled in a conventional manner by the quayside cargo facilities.

Maximising aero- and hydrodynamic capabilities of the vessel

Efficiency can be maximised by building the wind-propulsion systems just as needed. No compromise necessary for retractable or telescopic rigging – that only makes the system expensive and sensitive to failure. The same principles apply to the hydrodynamic vessel layout.

Economic construction of the cargo-holding part of the vessel

The cargo-barge or self propelled vessel will only cover the short distance from the sail-carrying part of the vessel to the quayside for the handling of the Cargo and return back to the sail-carrying unit. Once this part is locked to the sail-carrying system, both parts will work together to form one single smooth and seaworthy hull-shape. The cargo-holding part can therefore be quite simple and hence economic in its construction.

Quick exchange of prepared cargo barges

The barges can be prepared in advance and will just be exchanged outside the port, which leads to short stops for the actual sailing vessel that operates in parallel to the harbour operations performed by the barges.

Different wind-propulsion-systems depending on maritime area and prevailing wind systems

The variety of prevailing wind-systems on one cargo route, could require different wind-propulsion systems, depending on the course sailed towards the mean wind direction. By disconnecting the cargo from the wind-propulsion-system a rapid redistribution to other vessels, equipped with different wind-propulsion systems, for maximizing wind-propulsion efficiency, is possible.

Skipping the transshipment in the seaports

Depending on the size of the barges they can also directly be used for subsequent (inland) waterway transportation to the final cargo destination, skipping the need for transshipment of the cargo in the seaports.

Such aspects will relieve seaport logistics, accelerate cargo handling, improve wind-propulsion efficiency and operating costs.