This kite is being used to pull cargo ships

Seawing, developed by French company Airseas, is similar to what kitesurfers use, but on a larger scale.

Their new kite can soar up to 1,000 feet above a ship, pulling it forward with the wind's energy.

• This wind-powered assistance could slash fuel consumption and carbon emissions by an average of 20%, according to Airseas.

• They already have orders from Airbus and K-Line, a shipping company in Japan.

The whole operation is automated – an autopilot system computer program controls the kite's flight, while a 700-meter long cable keeps it connected to the ship, supplying power and transmitting data.

The shipping industry is a major contributor to global pollution, responsible for roughly 3% of greenhouse gas emissions. Airseas is looking to change that with Seawing by having giant kites that act as wings for these ships.

Airseas isn't alone in trying to clean cargo ships. Other companies are exploring modern sail designs to achieve similar results while the European Commission provides funding to support these efforts.

• Airseas themselves received $2.7 million in funding from the EU.