German wind propulsion specialist finds support for wind-assisted 'microships'

Maritime tech start-up CargoKite has signed a collaboration agreement with Lomar’s corporate venture lab Lomarlabs to develop a new ship class of so-called ’micro-ships’ using large kite systems as the main method of propulsion and cutting-edge AI for autonomous operation.

The CargoKite technology is a spin-off from Munich’s Technical University and will be further developed through working with Lomarlabs, with the first ships due to be launched in 2027. The latest prototype demonstrates its technology in a real environment. In 2023, it developed a proof of concept with a 9-m catamaran equipped with a kite system and proprietary hydrofoils.

The design aims to enable low or zero-emissions transport with the added advantage of being able to operate in more challenging and niche trades at any time. The vessel’s proprietary, AI-powered route planner calculates the optimal route and determines the estimated arrival time of the vessel based on actual weather conditions.

CargoKite co-founder and chief technical officer Marcus Bischoff said, “This collaboration provides CargoKite with direct access to a leading, climate-conscious shipowner, and aims to accelerate the full-scale build of our CargoKite vessels. 

He added the Lomar collaboration aims to develop sea transport that supports the goals of modern supply chains: customisation, just-in-time delivery, full transparency and cost savings.

Lomarlabs managing director Stylianos Papageorgiou said, “This radical new ship type has the potential to reframe the way port and maritime logistics are organised. It brings a paradigm shift to operations, which is only now becoming possible thanks to advances made in automation technologies. In addition, it promises to be a groundbreaking decarbonisation solution for shipping.”