What the Airseas Project Is
Airseas, founded in 2016, is an innovative company that provides the maritime sector with cutting-edge technology to propel ships. Born from the transfer of expertise from the aeronautics industry, the firm is a true fusion of two dynamic worlds – aeronautics and maritime – creating a unique propulsion system. Bringing together advanced skills originally honed within Airbus, Airseas is set to disrupt maritime transport with its automated power kites, capable of towing commercial ships. It is an industrial firm that emerged from the Airbus group, entirely dedicated to delivering free and unlimited wind energy to ships, acting for our oceans and our planet. This project truly symbolizes the energy of innovation and commitment, a blend that makes it a standout in today’s competitive energy landscape…
Main Benefit
- Founded in 2016 with a determination to transform maritime propulsion.
- Developed through the transfer of advanced aeronautical expertise.
- Aims to deploy its renewable energy propulsion system on 10% of the global fleet by 2030.
- Showcases a partnership with Airbus, with them as the first shareholder following a successful proof-of-concept in 2017.
- Has a commercially proven record with orders from key players like “K” Line and strategic contracts including a 500m² wing for the Ville de Bordeaux and a 1000m² wing option for future deployments.
Innovation at Its Core
At the crossroads between aeronautics and maritime technology, Airseas crafts a bridge between two spheres that historically have been very separate. The project leans on advanced aeronautical know-how, adapting concepts used in aviation to create a competitive renewable energy maritime propulsion system. It’s a continuous journey fueled by the energy of innovation, keeping in mind that every breakthrough challenges what was thought possible. The integration of technology that was once applied solely in the aerospace domain now helps develop a system efficient enough to tug commercial ships, a feat that few could have imagined a few years ago…
Commitment to the Oceans and the Planet
Airseas embodies the energy of commitment. From its early days, the company was born out of a desire to create a clean solution expressly designed to protect the oceans. The firm’s responsible approach goes beyond simply deploying a new technology – it extends into societal impacts and environmental stewardship. Demonstrating strong convictions around environmental and societal issues, Airseas builds a sustainable ecosystem where quality jobs are created and values are clearly promoted. This dedication aligns with the clear need for a revolutionary energy solution in maritime transport, emphasizing that every technological leap can also become an environmental win…
A Unique Blend of Expertise
The Airseas team is a mosaic of talents, with over 100 professionals drawn from diverse sectors including aeronautics, maritime, automation, mechanics, electronics, and support functions. This diversity of skills and personality drives a culture that blends precision, creativity, and technical depth. With roots in the high-tech environment of Airbus, the team’s combined expertise is pivotal in turning breakthrough ideas into reliable products. This human adventure connects enthusiasts of the sea, technology, and innovation, ensuring that the company remains open, engaged, and ever-evolving – much like the natural ebb and flow of the ocean itself.
Project Impact
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Delivering free and unlimited wind energy to commercial ships.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – Showcasing a disruptive technology that integrates aeronautical expertise with maritime innovation.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Committing to a clean solution that helps protect the oceans and reduces greenhouse emissions.
- SDG 14: Life Below Water – Fostering a sustainable approach that contributes to the health and preservation of marine ecosystems.
The Road Ahead
Airseas is a company that never stands still. Its chronology tells a tale of steady progress: from proving the initial concept in 2017, where the team’s boarding of the Ciudad de Cadiz convinced Airbus to become the first shareholder, to signing key orders, such as the first Seawing installation on the Ville de Bordeaux and a major contract with “K” Line in 2019. By 2021, the activity moved to new premises in Nantes, marking another evolution as the French maritime sector burgeoned. The first full-scale trials on transatlantic routes in 2022 further underscored the system’s viability and readiness for commercial deployment. The acquisition of the firm’s activities by the Japanese shipowner Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha ‘K’ Line through its OCEANICWING entity in 2024 represents not an end, but a pivotal step toward mass production and broader adoption. The project is on a dynamic and exciting journey – one aimed at making an indelible impact on global maritime transport while championing sustainability and innovative thinking…
