Most of these goods are ferried by giant cargo ships that carry huge amounts of stuff.
But, theyre slow and not exactly nimble.
This can result in long waiting times for shipments.
Whats more, diesel-guzzling cargo ships contribute around 3% of global CO2 emissions more than air travel.
A giant kite drags the boat along, harnessing higher-altitude winds at around 300 metres.
These winds are more constant and steadier than air flowing closer to the ground.
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For really calm days, CargoKite will equip its boats with a diesel-electric motor as a backup power source.
The long-term goal is to go either fully electric or use zero-emissions fuels.
CargoKites boats will fly on hydrofoils, which lift the hull out of the water, reducing drag.
As a result, the company expects its boats will travel twice as fast as a conventional cargo ship.
Their small size also means theyre more nimble at port able to unload and offload goods faster.
But the real innovation, and CargoKites primary IP, is its software.
CargoKite has also developed an AI-powered route planner.
The tool calculates the optimal route and precisely determines the ETA of a vessel based on real-time weather conditions.
Bischoff later teamed up with fellow students Amelie Binder and Tim Linnenweber.
The partners founded CargoKite in 2022 to bring the concept to life.
The company has since grown to 16 employees, based at a small office in Munich.
Last year, CargoKite tested a 9 metre catamaran with a kite system and hydrofoils in the Atlantic ocean.
The company is now in the design phase of its full-size vessel and the construction of its demonstrator prototype.
It aims to launch its first fleet in 2027.
Story bySion Geschwindt
Sion is a freelance science and technology reporter, specialising in climate and energy.
