Something got me to thinking today about shipping over thousands of miles. Perhaps is was the very poorly produced and, in many cases, nonfactual story on National Geographic last night about the human footprint. Perhaps not. Please follow me for a few thoughts.
Whilst I was a pyrotechnic development person, I had a friend named Gene who worked in Maryland, and he would visit from time to time to see what we were doing. Then the whole crew would get a cup of coffee each, and sit on grenade boxes and think.
Gene called it "Blue Skying", meaning that no idea was too bizarre to be considered. I appreciate his counsel, because sometimes that is the best way to do things. I suppose that some would call it "Thinking outside of the box", but I have a very deep centered disdain of those pet phrases.
In any event, why not equip modern transport ships with sails? Not the old canvas ones, and not with pine trees as masts. Modern, carbon fiber ones with carbon fiber masts that could be lifted or struck in a matter of minutes.
It makes sense to me. Using wind power to transport oil is just somewhat ironic, but it makes sense. If the sails could be deployed in favorable winds, the Diesel fuel consumption could be reduced. If the winds are not favorable, then strike them and power on with the engines.
What say you, community? No poll tonight, just thoughts. Warmest regards, Doc.