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UNOC 2025: Beyond the Sea accelerates maritime decarbonization with kite propulsion

Published on 10 June 2025

Maritime transport: an economic pillar that needs transformation

Maritime transport is a key player in international trade. If the merchant navy were considered a country, it would be the sixth-largest CO2 emitter in the world.

90% of global merchandise trade
3% of global CO2 emissions
100,000+ merchant vessels in operation

To meet the climate goals set by the Paris Agreement and strategies from the IMO (International Maritime Organization), decarbonizing the maritime sector is no longer an option, but a priority.

IMO Targets for 2050

IMO objectives diagram

In response to the climate emergency, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set an ambitious roadmap for the global maritime sector. It includes a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, 70% by 2040, with the ultimate goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050.

These targets are not just intentions: they must gradually become benchmark standards for all stakeholders in maritime transport, both public and private.

Kite traction: a concrete technology for maritime decarbonization

Beyond the Sea positions itself as a driving force in this transition. By offering a mature, adaptable, and immediately available kite traction technology, we provide shipowners and charterers with a practical solution to begin decarbonizing their fleets without delay. Our systems can significantly reduce emissions starting today, without waiting for future revolutions or implementing complex structural changes.

Thanks to this technology:

  • Vessels can reduce fuel consumption by up to 40%, depending on wind and navigation conditions.
  • CO₂ emissions are significantly reduced, contributing to international climate targets.
  • The solution is immediately installable on existing ships, with no need for major overhauls or lengthy technical downtime.

This technology is based on three essential advantages:

Clean

It relies exclusively on wind energy — a renewable, free, and non-polluting resource.

Robust

Designed to withstand the harshest maritime environments, it remains reliable even in complex sailing conditions.

Adaptable

Its modular architecture allows easy integration across a wide variety of vessels — cargo ships, tugboats, frigates, fishing boats, support vessels, etc.

Kite traction is an immediately operational solution with a short return on investment, averaging 2 to 3 years (depending on the vessel and usage conditions).

SeaKite®: The solution dedicated to commercial maritime transport

Among its various innovations, Beyond the Sea has developed SeaKite®, a solution specifically designed for large commercial vessels.

Results: a direct reduction in fuel consumption, immediate operational savings, and a measurable decrease in carbon footprint (on average, 20 to 30%).

The SeaKite® system includes:

SeaKite system diagram

The Platform and KiteBox
(hardware)

A mechatronic module installed onboard, enabling the automated deployment, control, and retrieval of the kite. Compact and durable, it can be easily integrated onto various deck configurations.

The HMI
(software)

An intelligent routing system that optimizes the vessel’s course based on wind conditions. It enables assisted navigation, accessible to any crew, with measurable energy gains.

The Kite
(propulsion)

A large-scale, fully automated wing that harnesses wind energy to partially replace engine propulsion, thereby reducing fuel consumption and associated emissions.

The wind becomes a driver of performance once again

Route optimization using wind power

Thanks to wind and kite traction, equipped vessels can reduce their CO₂ emissions by an average of 20%, while optimizing their routes with an intelligent routing system.
This optimization not only helps minimize environmental impact, but also significantly lowers fuel costs.

A solution already tested and validated by key maritime players

The Beyond the Sea technology is already operational on several vessels, thanks to trusted partnerships with major industry stakeholders:

Les Abeilles

Les Abeilles / French Navy

A strategic collaboration to validate the operational use of kite systems on state support vessels.

Ultranav

Ultranav / Beyond the Sea

Working to reduce emissions and decarbonize large-scale maritime transport.

Cap Bourbon

Cap Kersaint

Cap Bourbon, a subsidiary of the Le Garrec Group, will equip the Cap Kersaint, a deep-sea longliner based in Réunion Island, with a full-scale 100 m² SeaKite® system by end of 2025.

Le Forbin

Le Forbin, Geogas

May 2025, Beyond the Sea installs a 500 m² SeaKite® on the Forbin, an LPG tanker owned by Geogas Maritime, operated by Gazocean, and chartered by TotalEnergies.

Curious about SeaKite®? Let’s connect

Our team of experts is here to answer any questions you may have about the SeaKite® traction system and its integration into your fleet.

Simply fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.