11–20 of 90 posts
It seems like until we get tiny compact fusion energy we'll always end up running off the cheapest oil products, as they make the most sense economically. Without any actual incentive to switch, not a single shipping company will.
Finally, a proper look at the cost in most respects of the real cost of a 'sustainable' technology. We need more of these but no one will pay nor pay attention. Unfortunately though, sail driven ships are kind of useless for the efficient movement of cargo. Masts are required and take away stowage space and, more importantly, make efficient cargo loading/unloading impossible. Read the book "The Box" to understand the…
Instead of sails we could try other methods, like kites, or that weird turning-metal column effect. To name two serious proposals I've seen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yP1f3Df6SXE Maybe this kind of lifestyle appeals to enthusiasts, but I can't see modern unions allowing some of the dangerous work out on the sails.
Finally, a proper look at the cost in most respects of the real cost of a 'sustainable' technology. We need more of these but no one will pay nor pay attention. Unfortunately though, sail driven ships are kind of useless for the efficient movement of cargo. Masts are required and take away stowage space and, more importantly, make efficient cargo loading/unloading impossible. Read the book "The Box" to understand the…
Instead of sails we could try other methods, like kites, or that weird turning-metal column effect. To name two serious proposals I've seen
https://gcaptain.com/newbuild-vale-vloc-revealed-as-bulk-car...
Why is this important? It shows that the ship owners has seen enough promise in the technology to overcome the potential risks. If it works out well for them we will very likely see wider adoption.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yP1f3Df6SXE Maybe this kind of lifestyle appeals to enthusiasts, but I can't see modern unions allowing some of the dangerous work out on the sails.
I see no reason why most of the sail work couldn't be automated and motorized.
I do not understand this sentence. If I cut down a tree and do not burn it, isn't it a carbon neutral process? It did not release any carbon into atmosphere. By this logic is there any material to use to build something which is neutral?
Earlier quoted context omitted.
Tanker boats could probably use sails without loading and unloading getting in the way. I would imagine it's just hoses and pumps to get the liquid out.
Exactly, and these are precisely the vessels that can most handle slower transfer speeds - as you just have more sailboats to make up for slower speeds/smaller sizes. All that matters is how many arrive each day, as the cargo is fungible. In fact, doing such would provide a buffer that could help prevent supply shocks.
Oceangoing ships have a relatively short useful life...salt water is rough on metal.
> However, by definition, the sailing ship is not a carbon neutral technology. For most of history, sailing ships were built from wood, but back then whole forests were felled for ships, and those trees often did not grow back. I do not understand this sentence. If I cut down a tree and do not burn it, isn't it a carbon neutral process? It did not release any carbon into atmosphere. By this logic is there any materia…