Slashing CO2Clean kitesurfing cargo ships.
Big Picture
Big cargo ships come with big problems. Not only do container ships emit more than a billion tons of CO₂ a year, these massive vessels can only access about 5% of the world’s ports. As recent shipping accidents and supply chain chaos make all too clear, this $400b industry can’t keep relying on skyscraper-size ships alone to transport the world’s goods. Shippers need more agile, flexible options to do their jobs efficiently and sustainably.
How it Works
CargoKite builds emissions-free, wind-powered micro ships that can zip in and out of ports that large ships can’t get close to, unlocking previously stranded routes. These nimble vessels make an on-demand shipping model possible, with individual routing and just-in-time delivery available to shipping companies for the first time. This also eases a costly burden for cargo owners by eliminating the need to store excess inventory.
Unfair Advantage
CargoKite unlocks new routes and revenue for shippers at a fraction of the financial and climate costs of traditional shipping methods. The ships’ low cost to build makes scaling up a fleet an easy lift for shipowners and financiers, and the use of cheap renewable energy removes the opex headache of volatile fuel prices. CargoKite has taken the cheapest way to transport goods and made it even cheaper, faster, more resilient, and vastly more climate-friendly.
70
Percent lower
operating costs
AMELIE BINDER CEO & CO-FOUNDER
Prior to CargoKite, Amelie was a management consultant across technical industries. She holds a B.Sc. in Information Systems from TU Munich, known as Germany’s version of MIT.
TIM LINNENWEBER COO & CO-FOUNDER
Tim holds an M.Sc degree in Mechanical Engineering and Management from TU Munich and has experience in strategic consulting in the mobility, shipping, and oil & gas industries.
Reducing emissions from the shipping sector
European Commission
Revised GHG reduction strategy for global shipping adopted
International Maritime Organization