Airseas, has announced an investment in a new research and development (R&D) centre to accelerate the development of its Seawing kite system towards large-scale production and rollout.
As informed, located in Dakhla (Morocco), the installation will comprise a 2,400m2 hangar and an advanced test bench, offering the opportunity to test the Seawing and its individual components systematically, in a variety of configurations.
This new R&D centre will enable Airseas to accelerate its testing programme of the Seawing, a parafoil that flies 300 meters above the sea level to reduce the main engine load for oceangoing vessels, thereby slashing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
As explained, this facility will enable Airseas to conduct tests more frequently to validate the final phases of the system’s development, including fine-tuning the flight dynamics.
Today’s investment in a state-of-the-art testing centre demonstrates Airseas’ long-term commitment to research and development and to continuously improving our wind propulsion solutions for the maritime sector.
..Vincent Bernatets, CEO of Airseas, said.
This comes at a pivotal time, as shipping is under growing pressure from regulators, investors, and its customers’ customers to reduce its environmental impact, starting this decade. We are convinced that wind propulsion will play a central role in this transition, now and in the longer term.
..added.
