Australian company Solar Sailor has signed a deal with the largest Chinese shipping line COSCO to fit some tankers with large solar-powered sails. The sails are 30 metres long, covered with solar PV panels that will provide five per cent of the ships’ electricity and will harness enough wind to reduce fuel costs by 20 to 40 per cent. The sails are controlled by a computer that angles them for maximum wind and solar efficiency. The company claims that the sails will pay for themselves within four years.

Source: www.seatradeasia-online.com