Kite ship

The world's first commercial merchant ship using a high-tech kite system will sail across oceans - and help fight climate change. "MV Beluga Skysails" cargo ship has been fitted with a giant kite, which is attached to a 15-metre high mast and guided by a computer. The kite helps the engines to power the ship, thereby reducing fuel consumption and cutting carbon dioxide emissions.

"Beluga Skysails" will make its maiden voyage from Germany to Venezuela and back in early 2008, and should it be successful, other shipping companies are keen on harnessing the technology.