Knut MoråJun 30, 2023
@daycoder @stavvers @Jennifer_Pinkley Yep-- This is an engineering challenge, and not because putting a kite up is difficult, but because making a system that requires minimal maintenance and management compared to the fuel savings it provides _is_ difficult when you're competing with marine diesel engines.
Show threadBilly SmithJun 30, 2023

@kdund @daycoder @stavvers @Jennifer_Pinkley

Spinnakers have been in use for centuries.

Show threadKnut MoråJun 30, 2023
@BillySmith @daycoder @stavvers @Jennifer_Pinkley Of course. But they were used on sailing ships with large crews dedicated to managing rigging, and there was no diesel engine on board that could propel the ship reliably and economically. Now there is, and these new systems must pay for themselves in this new context.
That is very different from usual techbro-work-- the engineering here is to make something that pays for itself in a heavily regulated industry.
Show threadKnut MoråJun 30, 2023
@BillySmith @daycoder @stavvers @Jennifer_Pinkley Also, on sailing ships, almost by definition, the ship would travel to catch a good wind, while nowadays, demanding course deviations would not be acceptable to any great extent.
Show threadEvelyn C. LeeperJun 30, 2023

@kdund @BillySmith @daycoder @stavvers @[email protected] One could presumably have a backup engine to get one out of the doldrums. (In the days of sailing ships, they used a small boat with oarsmen to pull the ship into a wind.) Although it could be that a backup engine would add too much weight.

Gotta go watch MASTER AND COMMANDER now...

Show threadHywelJun 30, 2023
@eleeper @kdund @BillySmith (removed stavvers and Jennifer as I replied then in and I assume they’re not interested in this discussion)
The kites would just assist. They’d still have a big heavy engine. I think they’re talking about saving maybe 20% on fuel/emissions of massive, heavy cargo ships.
Show threadMike J👹🐀 🤘🏻
@daycoder @eleeper @kdund @BillySmith Even if they only save 2% it's a big deal when it costs a million bucks to fill your tank.
Jun 30, 2023 at 11:14pmWeb