At the end of 2007, the SkySails-System was retrofitted on an existing cargo vessel for the first time. The towing kite propulsion was installed on the 88m long MV "Michael A." of the WESSELS Reederei GmbH & Co.KG based in Haren/Ems.
As a pilot customer, the shipping company Wessels is exploring the SkySails-System during regular shipping operation on the MV “Michael A.”. The test results will be published after completion of the first pilot phase.
A towing kite of 160 square meters in size has been installed on board the MV "Michael A.". The ship operates in the European Short Sea Market.
The WESSELS Reederei GmbH & Co. KG owns a fleet of 40 modern river/sea-going ships and specializes in ship management, freighting services, trust services and finance. The family-owned business has always been successfully combining the best of traditional and modern values. Already in the 1970s, Dr. h.c. Gerhard Wessels designed the river/sea-going ships known as cargo liners that still provide the basis for modern coasters today.
Hamburg / Haren/Ems 21 January 2008
Video - First flight on the MV "Michael A."
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