Cargo ships may use a kite to reduce carbon emissions

Two German companies are working together to create a kite-system which will be used on cargo ships to get them across the ocean, lowering their carbon emissions.  The 433 ft ship (132 meters), “Beluga SkySails” will make its first voyage in January.  The ship will be pulled by a 500,000 euro computer guided kite which will be on a 15 meter high mast. 

Under good conditions the kite can reduce fuel costs by 20 percent.  With the push on being green, this can be a breakthrough for cargo ships.