World News
Irish Naval Service to Test Kite Sail Technology
The Irish Naval Service plans to test kite sail technology that could reduce its bunker costs while extending the scope of its surveillance systems, the Irish Examiner reports.
"This system is relatively new technology," a spokeswoman for the Naval Service said. "If the concept proves viable the system could be in use in a few years' time."
Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) has provided funding for the equipment tests, which will be the first of their kind done by a navy.
The kite system was developed through the Irish Maritime and Energy Resource Cluster (IMERC), a collaboration between the Naval Service and two Irish universities.
If the technology is successful, it could be adopted by other navies.
The Irish naval Service said in 2012 that it was looking into the kite technology, arguing that it could help address rising bunker costs.
Key Bunker Prices More
| VLSFO | MGO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $/mt | +/- | $/mt | +/- | |
| Singapore | 649.50 | 2.00 | 778.50 | 8.50 |
| Rotterdam | 602.00 | 0.50 | 748.00 | 6.00 |
| Houston | 624.00 | 5.00 | 792.00 | 3.50 |
| Fujairah | 649.50 | 2.00 | 898.00 | 3.00 |
| Global 20 Ports Average | 662.00 | 2.00 | 855.00 | 1.50 |
| Global 4 Ports Average | 631.00 | 1.00 | 804.00 | 0.50 |
| Global Average Bunker Price | 717.50 | 0.50 | 913.50 | 1.00 |
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