In response to the urgent need to decarbonize maritime transport, the KiWin project aims to develop a full-scale demonstrator and its digital twin for a fully automated kite traction system for ships over 60 meters long, capable of pulling 40 tons. Beyond the Sea is the driving force behind this project.
Project Goals and Challenges
The main challenge of the project is to meet the regulatory requirements set for shipowners by 2030, which mandate a drastic 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve this goal, Beyond the Sea and its partners must advance the kite traction system from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5 to TRL 9. The automated system will be equipped with an 800 m² kite, intended for integration into both the existing fleet and future ships compliant with environmental standards. This hybrid technology could also complement other innovations, such as future fuels, to create the ship of the future.
The Consortium and Its Partners
To create the KiWin consortium, Beyond the Sea, a pioneer in kite traction solutions, has teamed up with prestigious partners such as the Integration of Material into System (IMS) laboratory, the Air and Space School (EAE), and the University of Montpellier (UM). The project is supported by renowned research professors, including Kostia Roncin (EAE), Ahmed Chemoi (UM), Christophe Farges (IMS), Tudor Bogdan Arimitoaie (IMS), and Patrick Lanusse (IMS), who supervise a group of six PhD students focusing their research on kite traction.
Progress and Collaborations
In July 2024, the research professors and PhD students visited Beyond the Sea’s facilities, where they discovered the SeaKite and its kite traction system. This visit allowed for the gathering of the technical steering committee, thus strengthening the collaboration among the various project partners.
The KiWin project represents a significant advancement in the decarbonization of maritime transport. By combining cutting-edge technologies and close collaboration between research and industry stakeholders, this ambitious project aims to create innovative and sustainable solutions to address the environmental challenges of tomorrow.
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