Thread

1. calmbonsai · 1789624197 · focus · HN ↗

   No, they’re really not.

   Turns out, sail-power scales sublinearly and, shocker, the wind isn’t a reliable source of power for the logistics demands of today’s supply chains.

   We’re never going back to wind, but we will be de-carbonizing shipping either with ammonia combustion, fuel cells, or both.

   1. defrost · 1789632784 · focus · HN ↗

      And yet:

        Klaveness Combination Carriers (KCC) has launched a brand-new vessel that aims to use wind technology that the company believes will not just reduce emissions, but also improve fuel efficiency on its voyages between China and Australia.
      
        Equipped with the first wind-assisted propulsion system in KCC’s fleet and a range of advanced energy efficiency technologies, MV Baltazar was officially launched at Fremantle Port this week
      
        .. According to the company, due to the ship’s trading area, size and advanced energy efficiency measures including suction sails, MV Baltazar has the lowest carbon footprint of any vessel in these trades.
      

      ~ (September 16, 2026) <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.watoday.com.au&#x2F;national&#x2F;western-australia&#x2F;high-seas-and-low-fuel-energy-efficient-ship-launches-in-fremantle-20260915-p60xok.html" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.watoday.com.au&#x2F;national&#x2F;western-australia&#x2F;high-s...

      &gt; de-carbonizing shipping either with ammonia combustion, fuel cells, or both.

      Or methanol:

        Methanol is emerging as one of the most practical low-greenhouse gas (GHG) fuels for deep-sea shipping.
      

      * <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;methanol.org&#x2F;what-fuels-shipping" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;methanol.org&#x2F;what-fuels-shipping

      * <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.dnv.com&#x2F;maritime&#x2F;publications&#x2F;methanol-fuel-in-shipping-download&#x2F;" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.dnv.com&#x2F;maritime&#x2F;publications&#x2F;methanol-fuel-in-s...

      * <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.lr.org&#x2F;en&#x2F;knowledge&#x2F;research&#x2F;fuel-for-thought&#x2F;methanol&#x2F;" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.lr.org&#x2F;en&#x2F;knowledge&#x2F;research&#x2F;fuel-for-thought&#x2F;me...

      1. GJim · 1789633538 · focus · HN ↗

         &gt; methanol

         Currently made from crude oil in a CO2 emitting process from a finite fossil fuel resource.

         And yes, whilst methanol can be distilled from wood&#x2F;crops (a more expensive process), this simply cannot scale, especially if humanity wishes to eat...... You do realise a large container ship is 1&#x2F;4 mile long and carries north of 18,000 TEU containers; that&#x27;s 9000 lorries worth. They are big.

         1. defrost · 1789641013 · focus · HN ↗

            [dead]

            1. GJim · 1789644941 · focus · HN ↗

               &gt; green hydrogen plants.

               Splitting fresh water (salt water is a non-starter) for hydrogen is a rather energy inefficient and expensive process.

               &gt; People still use miles?

               In maritime world, yes we do; nautical and statute.

               &gt; do blather on in that condescending tone.

               I do appear to have touched a nerve old sport.

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