The task of designer ships, which are increasingly fuel efficient as well as environmentally friendly, is the marine industry's constant challenge, today and forever. While hull designs and propulsion systems continually evolve, a new development from Knud E. Hansen A/S shows promise in taking the cause a step further. An interesting design being touted by the firm is a Modern Windship, a sail-assisted vessel, which marries Mother Nature's power harnessed with an innovative ship shape. In fact, according to the designer, the new efficient rig design, combined with an especially developed underwater hull, promises to cut the fuel consumption by half on selected ocean routes. In 1995 the Danish Ministry of Environment and Energy granted funding for Knud E.