Originally published on September 17, 2013 <br /><br />A Norwegian engineer has come up with a revolutionary design for a ship that could save up to 60 percent in fuel costs when compared to a normal cargo vessel.<br /><br />Terje Lade, designer ship's designer, was formerly an engineer in the oil and ship industries, got the idea from his favorite pastime of speed-sailing. <br /><br />The ship's hull functions as a giant sail, harnessing the wind to propel the vessel forward.<br /><br />The huge ship, known as the Vindskip, is designed to carry up to 7,000 cars, about the same capacity as a conventional cargo ship.<br /><br />The ship would also feature a gas engine reducing the reliance on heavy fuel oil and drastically reducing the amount of emissions and pollution including carbon dioxide and nitrous oxides associated with the shipping industry.<br /> <br />The hull design has undergone successful tests in a wind tunnel at Cranfield University in the UK<br /><br />Computer control systems on board the Vindskip would enable the captain of the ship to compare weather readings and choose either the fastest or most economic route available. <br /> <br />The computer would also adjust the engine speed according to wind speed and direction in order to keep the ship at a constant speed of 18 knots. <br /> <br />He said he had designed the boat to take cargos of up to 7,000 cars, which is comparable to a normal modern cargo ship. <br /> <br />The project is being funded by Lade, private investors and government agency Innovation Norway. <br /><br />Lade, who is in talks with designers and shipyards, said he hopes the first ship can be built within three to four years. <br /><br />--------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />TomoNews is your daily source for top animated news. We've combined animation and video footage with a snarky personality to bring you the biggest and best stories from around the world.<br /><br />For news that's fun and never boring, visit our channel:<br />https://www.youtube.com/user/TomoNewsUS<br /><br />Subscribe to stay updated on all the top stories:<br />http://www.youtube
