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Shadotec plc is a British company which has been set up specifically to make a commercial success of Walker-type wingsails. The current shareholders of Shadotec plc are more than a hundred people who for many years have steadfastly maintained their belief in developing modern wingsails for cheaper, faster, cleaner marine propulsion. With new technology and increasingly persuasive market conditions, Shadotec plc is ready to play its part in increasing competitiveness for companies while helping to combat global change.
LATEST PRESS RELEASE - 11th May 2008 (no embargo)
Norwegian research team confirm substantial fuel and pollution reduction potential for ocean going ships fitted with Shadotec plc British wingsails
Click here to read the full release (PDF - 66kb)
WHAT ARE WINGSAILS?
The modern wingsail is a direct development from the skills and experience built up over the last century in aircraft wings. Just as the aircraft wing, set horizontally, provides lift vertically to hold the plane aloft, a wingsail, set vertically, can provide thrust horizontally to drive, or help to drive, a marine vessel. The photograph shows Blue Nova, a Walker wingsail yacht on trial at high speed in Plymouth Sound. She has made two successful transatlantic passages to the United States, one safely through a Class 3 hurricane.
WHAT DO WE WANT TO ACHIEVE ?
Because of the very different circumstances involved, wingsail technology has diverged widely from its aerospace roots. This website has been designed to tell you as much as you may want to know about these silent, solar powered thrusters. After reading it we hope you may want to contact us, to buy our products, license our designs, or invest in the future of this exciting new industry.
This website is crammed with information about our passion for the modern wingsail. There is a lot to say about wingsails, and we want to know your needs and interests.
You may be a ship owner worried about competition. Wingsails can cut your costs with no extra crew cost, and give your ships a competitive edge. You may be a leisure sailboat enthusiast starting to become aware of the work (and cost) involved in keeping a piece of remarkably developed (but still basically 17th century) technology in good working order. You may also be worried about the challenges of keeping a traditionally rigged yacht under control, especially when weather conditions worsen. And are the other members of your family always keen?
You may be a powerboat enthusiast, who is nevertheless worried about the cost of all that diesel, the pounding ride, the noise, the vibration, the occasional reluctance of one or more key members of your family to go with you, and the effect of your exhaust pollution on the sky.
You will almost certainly be aware of the increasingly persuasive evidence that our multimillion engine exhausts are seriously damaging the thin and vulnerable layer of our wonderful globe's atmosphere, which is after all the only thing that makes Earth different from Mars.
Like us, you may believe that unless we all act quickly and sensibly there are catastrophic results ahead. You may, whoever you are, have children, maybe grandchildren, and you will want them to believe that you are doing your best to keep the world safe for them and for their children and grandchildren too. Nevertheless, no-one needs to be expected to sacrifice either profit or pleasure. Profit keeps companies strong and can be passed on down the generations, the pleasure is for you.
You may, however, have been wondering what, if anything, you can do about it. That's the reason for Shadotec plc and for this website. We'll be regularly updating the site with every new piece of information as it becomes available.
So, in a nutshell, we turn the clean free energy of the ocean winds into marine propulsion. Blending naval architecture, aerospace and computer control, we provide silent speed at the touch of your fingertips, and we can save fuel and reduce pollution on commercial ships.
It has to make sense.
Use the links at the left to view our site and get in contact if we can help you.