An interesting new project by Sailcargo Inc. to build a 150′ long wooden three-masted topsail cargo schooner in Costa Rica with a cargo deadweight of around 250 tonnes. Click here to learn more.
Old Salt Blog
a virtual port of call for all those who love the sea , hosted by nautical novelist Rick Spilman
This all very romantic and an interesting project – how practical is it ? Not very!
Having spent my entire life at sea, even as a child one had a boat yes a wooden boat, or ashore in the maritime industry one has never seen stepping back to old methods being successful. Every attempt to do so has failed and while from some points of view this is sad the world moves forward.
On the environmental side there will be those that are upset because trees will be cut down to build the vessel. After all this is how vast forests have been lost to wooden shipbuilding in previous centuries. There are new methods of building and powering ships which consider environmental issues and achieve the end desired by this project.
Having family businesses in Costa Rica one knows first hand the great interest, respect and tourist industry that country has for and from the environment issue with all to often not very practical or effective methods and regulations.
From a business point of view one would not really recommend investing in these type of projects, all too often they are a method of raising monies to support the live style of a select few. So it will be interesting to see just how far this project proceeds.
Good Watch.
I share your skepticism about how viable this project will be be. Even in niche markets, a wooden sailing ship of this size would be a real challenge to be commercially viable. I thinking sail assisted cargo ships have a future but I imagine that they will be significantly larger and more modern than this charming throwback to past trading vessels.
Article and video
09/26/2016
Sustainability and the sea of change for the ship industry
Today, the shipping industry finds itself in a sea of change.
New international standards require vessels to reduce air pollution, meaning fewer emissions. It’s a challenge for builders as altering a ship’s power can sacrifice safety.
How can the industry ensure that marine vessels remain safe while cutting emissions? A shipyard in Croatia is helping scientists to improve maritime transport.
http://www.euronews.com/2016/09/26/sustainability-and-a-sea-of-change-for-the-ship-industry