Could cargo ships become fully wind-powered or use solar-wind hybrid propulsion again?
Short answerComplete wind or solar propulsion seems unlikely, while electric and hydrogen-based hybrid systems are more plausible.
NotesElectric cargo ships already exist, but solar or wind alone is unlikely to power most large vessels. A mixed system involving hydrogen and another energy source is more plausible. Complete wind power and a solar-wind hybrid remain possible experiments rather than established solutions for most commercial tonnage. These are broad propulsion directions without a mature design or timetable.