A Deep-Sea Longliner Takes to the Wind

The SeaKite, with a surface area of 100 m², is scheduled to become operational in April 2026. This system will transform the Cap Kersaint, a longliner based in Réunion, into the world’s first fishing vessel to use automated kite propulsion.

The announcement was made on February 3, 2026, at the Euromaritime trade show in Marseille, a major event for the maritime industry, showcasing innovations and solutions for modernizing and decarbonizing fleets.

The SeaKite harnesses wind energy to assist the vessel’s propulsion. Thanks to an intelligent system, it reduces engine strain, fuel consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. This technology is part of a strategy aimed at combining economic performance, crew safety, and environmental protection.

The Cap Kersaint, nearly 60 meters long and built by the Piriou Shipyards, has been equipped with a simple and robust system. The kite is launched and retrieved from the bow of the vessel, with a control station on the deck and optimized integration of the equipment necessary for its operation.

This solution was chosen after studying several decarbonization options. This approach is particularly well-suited to the vessel’s long voyages, which can last up to 90 days at sea without resupply, in areas with favorable winds. The project is supported by the CMA CGM Endowment Fund dedicated to decarbonizing the French maritime sector.

In the long term, the SeaKite could be used during certain phases of fishing to optimize speed and energy efficiency, further reducing fuel consumption and improving the management of onboard generators. Already MSC certified, the Cap Kersaint is thus strengthening its role as a pilot vessel for more responsible fishing and paving the way for the replicability of this solution on other vessels around the world.