Sunday March 18th, 2001
Location |
At sea,
approaching the Beagle Canal in Southern Chile |
Wind |
SW 25 to 30 knots |
Sea |
Moderate |
Air temp |
6.5 deg C |
Sea temp |
4 deg C |
Barometer |
1025 mbs |
Conditions |
Overcast |
Visibility |
Poor |
Vessel of the future
Over the past
months, we have been developing our ideas of what would make the “ideal
research/exploration vessel”, but at the same time be a practical model for
commercial shipping for the future.
Ron Holland
has offered to come up with a new blakexpeditions concept vessel, in line with
his and our combined experiences and our needs. We will present his drawings
once we have had a chance to spend time with him and refine our ideas.
Whilst
Seamaster is perfect for our present needs, when one looks at the issues that
need resolving – to do with water quality, carbon emissions, waste products,
alternative environmentally friendly fuels, safer construction techniques – to
name but a few, we thought that an outline of what we consider to be a step in
the right direction would be of interest.
There was no
point developing a design theme that is not practical. That would result in a
ship that cannot carry heavy loads or keep to a schedule, so could never be used
commercially.
How does Seamaster stack up?
Seamaster is
much the same as other waste-conscious vessels operating on the waters of the
world today. She is equipped with sewage treatment systems, holding tanks for
all household and human wastes, and waste oil storage facilities. She also has
sails to compliment the twin diesel engines when on long distance passages.
She has twin
diesel generators for the electrical supply to charge the huge battery banks
and provide sufficient power for making water, running the electronics,
communications, cooking, lighting and some heating.
All engines
were fully overhauled 9 months ago, with many parts rebuilt – but they still
smoke on start-up. We have the remnants of the old antifouling paint still on
the bottom to retard marine growth. This won’t be replaced in the immediate
future as nothing much has grown on the bottom during our time in Antarctica,
and the fresh water of the Amazon will kill off any sea water fouling that
develops between now and then.
So, we are
not perfect by any means, but we do our best to limit the problems. And we are
working with an existing vessel with existing systems and limited space for
major improvements.
[We are
seriously considering replacing one of the generators with an
appropriately-sized fuel cell – running on hydrogen. This is now a practical
alternative, only really limited by the availability of liquid or gaseous
hydrogen in the remote areas that we might visit.]
Seamaster is
as environmentally friendly as it is possible to be for an existing craft.
The concept vessel
Our new
“concept” vessel will set standards that everyone should strive to meet.
It will be as
“emission impossible” as we can make it – but at the same time be totally
practical, rugged, seaworthy and able to cross any ocean at good speed.
It will need
to be built using ‘today’s technology” that could apply to any new ship of any
size.
So, what will
it be like?
Compulsory:
*
Environmentally friendly “emission impossible” (with some minor compromises in
early days)
* Practical
* Seen as a realistic example of what can be achieved commercially
* Built using readily available technology
* Able to “go anywhere” in most weather conditions
To achieve
the above:
* Steel hull
with alloy superstructure
* Double bottom for impact integrity
* Large enough to be seen to be a working vessel and not a “yacht”. 100 metres
plus length overall.
* Dual fuel drive - (diesel)/hydrogen-electric incorporating multiple
electrical generators (utilising dual fuel hydrogen motors) and electric drive
systems. When running on diesel, exhaust gases to be fully scrubbed to reduce
emissions to as close to zero as possible.
* Full powered - capable of cruising long distance at 14 knots and 20 knots at
full power
* 20,000 mile range @14 knots
* Solar cell technology involvement on a large scale
* Hydrogen production and storage facilities utilising solar power, waste-heat
and seawater
* Hydrogen fuel cells to run ancillary equipment including lighting
* All lighting to be high efficiency
* Sound attenuated vessel - “very quiet drive”
* Electronic antifouling system
* “Emission impossible” waste treatment system
* Waste-heat utilisation
* Desalination and evaporation water-making systems utilising waste-heat, fuel
cell or solar cell technology
* Water purification
* Use of seawater for as many services as possible, throughout ship
* Heat pumps for heating and cooling climate control
* 2 X 20 metre RIBs (Rigid Bottom Inflatable Boats) with full exploration
equipment and 2000 mile range - also incorporating twin dual fuel
(diesel)/hydro-electric drives and utilising all of mother-ship attributes
* 2 X all-terrain land vehicles - dual fuel/hydrogen powered
* Latest in electronic navigation, sonar, and echo sounding. A showcase for the
ultimate “safe” vessel.
* Accommodation and facilities for young person involvement - maximum of (10)
at any one time. Full time blakexpeditions lecturer/teacher and involving
scientific staff
* Internet/web site staff for daily updates/schools programme/general PR
communications
* Science laboratory and staff and all necessary equipment/link with specific
universities
* Onboard television production and transmission capabilities - a floating live
television station
* Vessel an “expo” ship for dockside functions/PR events/media/corporate
involvement and utilisation
A worthwhile goal
The above
list is a start – it is by no means finite. But to produce a practical vessel
that could have a huge potential impact on the way we all view the environment
seems to be a very worthwhile goal.
Such a
practical, environmentally friendly craft, that would have applications on a
much bigger commercial scale, is long overdue.
To be able to
use our new “concept” vessel as an “expo” ship, visiting many ports in the
world, being open for tours by people of all ages – particularly school
children and decision makers – would generate an involvement with the
environment in a very practical sense that is presently missing.
None of the above is science fiction
We have
already spent time in Munich with BMW observing their development of liquid
hydrogen as a “no-emission” practical alternative fuel for their motorcars and
suitable for many applications, such as the marine environment we are
exploring.
It is
refreshing to see that they and other motor vehicle manufacturers are taking
emissions very seriously and investing billions of dollars into better
solutions. Now all we need is for governments to act as responsibly and tackle
the changes to the infrastructure that will be required in the long term.
Back to right now
We are
presently sailing in a very fresh wind, with whitecaps everywhere. This follows
a night of near gale force conditions and rough seas. Seamaster was jumping
around like a small dinghy at times, but making good speed even though our
sails were well reefed.
The islands
north of Cape Horn are off to port as we head towards the eastern entrance to
the Beagle Channel, with Puerto Williams planned as our first stop back in
South America.
We left here
two and a half months ago.
Since then we
have had a most extraordinary and rewarding time “down south”.
But we are
pleased to be back.
Best wishes,
Peter.