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Company
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SkySails is developing, producing and selling an internationally patented wind propulsion system based on large towing kites.
Depending on the prevailing wind conditions, a ship’s average annual fuel costs can be reduced by 10 to 35% by using the SkySails-System. Under optimal wind conditions, fuel consumption can temporarily be cut by up to 50%.
The SkySails-System consists of three simple main components: A towing kite with rope, a launch and recovery system, and a control system for automatic operation.
Instead of a traditional sail fitted to a mast, SkySails uses large towing kites for the propulsion of the ship. Their shape is comparable to that of a paraglider.
SkySails easily generate five times more propulsion power per square metre sail area than conventional sail propulsions.
The SkySails-System is used parallel to and for relief of the main engine, if wind conditions allow. The main engine's propulsion power remains fully available if required.
Virtually all existing cargo vessels and new builds can be retro- or outfitted with the SkySails auxiliary wind propulsion system.
Fish trawlers and super yachts of over 24 meters in length can be retro- or outfitted with the SkySails auxiliary wind propulsion system as well.
SkySails was established in Hamburg in 2001 by Dipl.-Wirtschaftsingenieur (industrial engineer) Stephan Wrage und Dipl.-Ing. Thomas Meyer (engineer for shipbuilding and offshore technology). Stephan Wrage is the main partner.
SkySails has been a GmbH & Co. KG (a limited partnership with a limited company as general partner) since 2004.
Headquarter is the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. Additionally SkySails has a testcenter in Wismar.
The business and operations of SkySails GmbH & Co. KG are led by Stephan Wrage, Martin Lohss and Stephan Brabeck.
The executive board of the SkySails GmbH & Co. KG is advised by an advisory board which consists of four resopected experts.
SkySails currently has approximately 70 permanent employees. The vast majority of the staff are engineers. There are also a number of independent associates and a large network of well-known partners that support the developmental work.
Of SkySails' funding to date, some 90% has been provided by investors and about 10% through public grants and subsidies. The lead investor is the respected ship financing company Jan Luiken Oltmann Gruppe GmbH & Co. KG based in Leer.
Besides private investors, the group of SkySails investors also includes numerous notable shipping companies such as Triton Seatrade, Reederei Wessels, Reederei Jüngerhans, Briese Schiffahrt, and Reederei Opielok.
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 - SkySails towing kite
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