Michelin's inflatable sails hybridize freight ships to cut emissions

Inflated Wing Sails

the giant inflatable sails designed by tire manufacturer Michelin more closely resemble the Michelin man -- the company's mascot -- than a traditional cloth sail. Made from a flexible material that the company would not reveal, the sails can inflate or deflate at the push of a button. No crew is required to rig them, and they pivot automatically to catch the wind, equipped with sensors that measure the wind direction and speed. Intended to be retrofitted onto existing cargo ships, the sails will