I have an idea. I know it sounds far fetched, probably won't work but hear me out. What if they put large poles on ships and hung a big canvas from each of them? The wind could blow against these, generating free thrust and it can make the ships go faster. Wonder if anyone's ever tried that before.
But what about the oil companies who make massive profits selling the worst, bottom of the barrel, shit-tier bunker oil to cargo ship operators because regulations don't exist on international waters? Won't someone think of the oil companies?
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This guy is my favourite* British? person on Lemmy. Called their father a God damned 'melt' and shit, and that God damned name! Lol, yeah Wodge, fuck 'em with whatever the fuck a spanner is -- I'm with you!
Published Feb 19, 2023 12:37 PM by The Maritime Executive
Sailing cargo ships are making a genuine comeback. Japanese bulk carrier MOL is operating a wind-assisted ship. American food giant Cargill is working with Olympic sailor Ben Ainslie to deploy WindWings on its routes. Swedish shipping company Wallenius is aiming for Oceanbird to cut emissions by up to 90%. The French start-up Zephyr & Borée has built the Canopée, which will transport parts of European Space Agency’s Ariane 6 rocket this year.
That's their aim. I aim to own a fully electric solar powered yacht to live on in the Caribbeans. Doesn't mean I'll ever achieve it. Best realistic values I've seen were closer to 30% fuel reduction.
There are actually a few cargo ships using Flettner Rotors. They can't completely power the ship - they require a bit of power themselves for the rotation - but they can noticeably offset fuel consumption.