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Cargo Shipping · DHL · Sustainable Logistics · Wind Power
DHL Global Forwarding, the Deutsche Post World Net Group's ocean and air freight carrier, commenced the first commercial voyage of the MS Beluga SkySails, the world's first cargo vessel utilizing an innovative SkySails towing kite system, on January 21, 2008, to transport a particle board factory from Bremen to Venezuela, aiming to reduce fuel consumption by 10-35%.
The MS Beluga SkySails, christened on December 15, 2007, by Eva Luise Köhler, wife of Germany's Federal President, belongs to Bremen shipping company Beluga Shipping GmbH. This multipurpose heavy-lift carrier leverages a 320-square-meter towing kite developed by Hamburg firm SkySails, providing additional thrust and significantly lowering fuel costs.
DHL Global Forwarding director Claus Krüger stated the promising environmental aspects were a major factor in chartering the vessel, aligning with DHL's commitment to sustainable logistics solutions. The system is projected to save between 10% and 35% in fuel costs, potentially saving an 87-meter freighter an average of 280,000 euros annually.
Captain Lutz Heldt anticipates 10-20% fuel savings on the Atlantic route to Venezuela, which will take over two weeks for the initial 10,000 freight tons shipment for client Dieffenbacher. DHL, as the world's largest logistics company, emphasizes its pioneering role in adopting innovative, eco-friendly technologies, having already clustered innovation activities for climate protection and offering climate-neutral GoGreen Service in Europe.
The company also increasingly uses alternative propulsion systems like biogas and electric motors. This initiative underscores DHL's strategic focus on integrating sustainability into its core services, responding to increasing customer demand for eco-friendly transport options and positioning itself as a leader in green logistics.