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• • CargoKite GmbH** is a German maritime technology company developing wind‑powered, autonomous or highly automated cargo vessels using airborne kite propulsion. The company is headquartered in Munich, Germany, and was founded in 2022 with the aim of reducing greenhouse‑gas emissions in commercial maritime transport.^[1][2]

CargoKite aims to develop a new class of micro‑cargo ships in which airborne wind‑energy systems (large kites) provide the primary propulsion force, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for conventional fuel‑based engines. The vessels are intended for short‑sea, feeder and niche trade routes, using proprietary software and automation to optimize navigation and routes based on real‑time weather data and wind conditions.^[3][4]

CargoKite was founded in 2022 based on research conducted at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). The founders sought to harness stronger and more consistent wind at higher altitudes — typically between 100 and 300 metres above the sea surface — to provide primary propulsion for commercial vessels.^[5]

In 2023, CargoKite developed a proof‑of‑concept prototype consisting of a nine‑metre catamaran equipped with a kite propulsion system and hydrofoils. This prototype demonstrated key interactions between kite dynamics and vessel design in real‑world conditions, and served as a basis for further development toward larger, commercial‑scale vessels.^[6]

CargoKite vessels are designed to integrate an airborne wind‑energy system with advanced vessel control and routing software. Large kites fly at higher altitudes where winds tend to be stronger and more consistent than at sea surface level, generating towing force to propel the vessel. On‑board autonomous control software optimizes kite flight patterns and route planning based on real‑time weather and ocean data.^[7]

Developers also plan to incorporate hybrid back‑up propulsion systems and battery storage for use during port operations and low‑wind conditions. Software routines are intended to manage kite launch, flight, retrieval and safe operation throughout voyages.^[8]

In July 2024, CargoKite signed a collaboration agreement with *lomarlabs*, the corporate venture lab of shipping company Lomar. The partnership aims to accelerate the development of a new class of zero‑emission micro ships using airborne wind propulsion and artificial intelligence for autonomous operation, with planned commercial launches projected for the mid‑to‑late 2020s.^[9][10]

The collaboration agreement also highlighted the use of proprietary route planners and autonomy software to maximize operational efficiency and navigational safety, and stressed the potential for wind‑powered vessels to support modern supply chains with reduced emissions and cost savings.^[11]

• Wind‑assisted ship propulsion
• Airborne wind energy
• Sustainable shipping