Old Articles

Are Windjammers the Future of Shipping Vessels?

By Charles Moffat - March 2021.

Back in the mid 1990s I was in high school and I wrote an essay about windjammers - a type of sailing vessel popular in the 1800s because it combined two types of locomotion, diesel engines and traditional wind sailing. They became popular in the 1800s because they offered affordability, speed and reliability when it came to delivering goods to far away ports. I didn't know it at the time, but apparently windjammers are becoming a thing again.

The reason for the sudden resurgence in windjammers is due to the environment, but also due to economics. Windpower is free. Windpower costs companies nothing. And unlike oil, gas and diesel, the price of wind never goes up.

Because windjammers use both wind power and a conventional engine (diesel currently, but the future of windjammers also suggests that electric engines will soon be part of the formula) they have a competitive edge on shipping vessels who don't go that fast in the first place. Plus with our modern knowledge of wind patterns and weather forecasting we can now practically guarantee the amount of time it will take to make a specific journey based on oceanic wind conditions.

Eg. T1 Supertankers only have a top speed of 16.5 knots when loaded down with cargo. They can go faster, but only by dumping their cargo. Their earning capacity is based upon how much cargo they can carry.

Neoline Windjammer ships however have a speed of 11 knots when fully loaded with cargo, but they can go across 99.9% of the Atlantic ocean without using their diesel engines. That amounts to huge savings in terms of fuel costs.

Let's do some math...

Halifax Canada to Liverpool England is 2846 nm (nautical miles). A conventional ship doing 16 knots will do the journey in 7.4 days. A windjammer ship like the Neoline can do the same journey in 11.8 days, which is only slightly slower, but results in huge fuel cost savings because it only uses about 0.1% of the fuel needed to complete the journey.

So yes, you have to pay the crew (Neoline crew = 14 people) for an extra 4 days, although as noted in the video above the Neoline vessels are also "more nimble", which means they can go places that large supertankers cannot go and thus make up some of that time by using shipping lanes that supertankers cannot use.

Thus a windjammer vessel might more accurately deliver the same goods in 8-11 days, but with huge cost savings.

Plus the companies shipping their products to foreign markets can now brag about using shipping methods which are more environmentally friendly and cost effective.

Thus companies like Michelin will be able to brag about being able to ship their products to European markets/etc without requiring the use of conventional cargo ships.

I see this as a very good thing, and I am now looking back at the essay I wrote in the 1990s about the superiority of windjammer ships as being strangely prophetic.

Rethinking Green Transportation

Riding a horse to work sounds like a very green way to get around, but its not very practical when you live in a city and your workplace is 60 minutes away by car. (Which means your primary interest in green transportation probably isn't the environment itself, its your general disgust at being stuck in traffic for 2 hours every work day.)

There is a hierarchy to the concept of green transportation. It’s a simple idea, really.

Think of an upside down pyramid, like in the picture below whereby our method of transportation (walking, cycling, public transit, etc) is all gauged by the amount of greenhouse gases produced by using that form of transportation. eg. A bicycle doesn't cause any greenhouses gases except during the manufacturing process, so its by far one of the cleanest methods of transportation you can get.

Better than horses in fact because you can lock your bicycle up when you get to work, whereas a horse will need a stable and will produce methane, manure, etc.

And unlike horses which require hefty vet bills, your bicycle really only needs to visit your local bicycle mechanic once or twice per year for a tune up or repairs.

The goal really of promoting the concept of a Green Transportation Hierarchy is to convince people to reduce their carbon footprint by adopting a greener method of getting to and from work on a daily basis so we are each reducing our carbon footprint, and the more citizens at the pedestrian level, the better for all of us.

However if you live way out in the suburbs or even a satellite city, you may not have that option. Indeed your only option may be to drive via car to work if you simply live where there is no public transit and walking / cycling to work is impractical.

Some people also choose to walk or cycle to work in order to get in shape, stay fit, live longer, etc, but they really only have that option if they live to close to their workplace.

Thus in theory one of the greenest methods of transportation is "not going to work at all" and instead telecommuting. Which is evidently the future for many of us, as the number of people who now telecommute for work (log in online and work over a computer, webcam, etc) continues to grow. (Between 2004 and 2012 the number of people in the USA who telecommute for work doubled.)

But lest we forget that manufacturing is the backbone of our economy, we must remember again that not everyone can telecommute. Until we devise robots which can build cars, pick berries, sew pants, do all the menial tasks that robotics manufacturers have been claiming their robots could do for decades - well then we will continue to need people in factories doing things by hand. (As it currently stands many of these things are now done by skilled labourers overseas in countries with a standard of living so low it is practically slavery.

We can’t walk all the time (especially when you are purchasing a couch or a loveseat) but our need to drive a larger–sized vehicle certainly is not constant. Our challenge therefore is to increase the availability and use of renting or leasing vehicles so people can rent a truck or van only when they need them - or shop at places that offer to deliver.

Our next trick is to increase the use of vehicles which are more fuel efficient or use alternative fuels like Hydrogen.

Hydrogen fuel cells are, without a doubt, the future.

The problem right now is developing a plan whereby we can add hydrogen fuelling stations to all the existing gas stations across North America and make hydrogen a viable option.

Car manufacturers are already in a race to see which company can be the first to bring a hydrogen car to mass market. And once it is available for mass market, work out deals with gasoline dealerships for them to have hydrogen pumps for refuelling.

The only trick to hydrogen production is that is the process of creating hydrogen. The process is hydrolysis, which is done by passing an electric current through salt water and it causes hydrogen bubbles to come to the surface. That hydrogen is then syphoned off and shipped to wherever it is needed. However to do all this, we need electricity - and to fuel enough cars for 300 million Americans, we need a lot of electricity.

Which means that simultaneously we also need more abundant and stable sources of electricity - and the most efficient way to do that would be to build geothermal electric plants. Just 5 geothermal plants would produce enough electricity for ALL of Canada. Canadians wouldn't even need nuclear, coal, wind or solar. All of Canada's electricity needs can be met with just 5 geothermal plants built in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunwick and Newfoundland. And the only difficult one to build would be the one in Ontario where the earth's crust is a bit thicker.

We have the technology to do all these things, but we have chosen not to do it because there is currently no government support for building geothermal plants for electricity and a network of hydrogen refuelling stations.

Part of the problem is that we are still stuck in a gasoline mindset. Which means we need to get politicians driving hydrogen cars and then realize the potential for hydrogen cars not only to provide a better solution to our transportation concerns, but also will eventually be the cheaper option than buying our oil from overseas as oil prices continue to skyrocket in the coming decades.

2007 Cars Of The Year

We've seen some fabulous improvements in hybrid cars this year and a lot more fanfare from the auto industry regarding hydrogen cars.

We look forward to what surprises 2008 will bring us.

Car of the Year: Honda Civic Si

When you put together the total package -- styling, fit, finish, reliability, long life and heaping helpings of fun to drive, nothing tops the Si for the money. The experts say that the price of petrol is going to do nothing but go up, so we might as well make the best of it. Yes, one has to keep the revs at silly levels to extract all that this car has (0 to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds) but the Honda fours have always been like that. Add some great handling into the stew, a comfortable and somewhat futuristic interior, and for an affordable price of $22K or so you have our car of the year. Close runner up: Mazda's Mazdaspeed 3.

Best Sports Cars: Tie between Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera and the Porsche 911 Twin Turbo

Two very different cars, with similar results -- and that is lots of super car power and excellent handling. The Lambo is in-your-face Italian virility, both in its styling and its performance. If you want to be seen, the Lambo is the way to go and we think the slightly lighter and slightly more powerful Superleggera is the way to do it.

The Porsche is a more timeless design and better for those who would like to blend in. That is, until you press down sharply on the pedal. Then the 510 horsepower kicks in with the turbos to propel you to 60 mph and beyond in the time that it takes most people to hiccup. (The Lambo is no slouch either, with 522 horsepower and 60 mph in about 3.4 seconds.) For the well-trained driver on a good track, these cars would be more than breath-taking. For everyday drives on the street, the Porsche would be the way to go. But it would be cool to pick up your old high school sweetheart in a Lambo.

Biggest Surprise: Bentley Continental GT Speed

Let's face it. When you think about a Bentley, you think of a luxury car fit for carrying a king, a queen or a Hollywood star that does not drive a Prius. You do not think of a modern day GT super car with a 12-cylinder, 6-liter engine that in its best stage of tune cranks out 600-horsepower and hustles to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. Not to mention the sleek modern design that turns heads. Price? Well if you must ask, about $190,000, depending on options -- and there are a lot of them. It is one very exclusive way to get where you are going.

Best Sedan: Honda Accord

Every four years Honda manages to find a way to make one of the best cars on the road even better. The 2008 Accord is a bit bigger, and passengers in the back seats will love the change. The excellent fit and finish remain, along with good gas mileage and the promise of dependability and long life. Factor in good resale values and the sporty feel of Honda cars in general, and you have the mid-sized class leader (again).

Best Family Value: Acura RDX

Mom will still not drive a minivan, and the SUV in the garage has become too friendly with a very expensive gas pump. So what to do? Many owners are downsizing their SUVs, and if your family fits inside, we think the RDX is the best of the lot. We loved the sporty handling, the performance of its turbo- charged four, and the well-thought-out interior for five. It is EPA-rated at 19/23 miles per gallon, and like the Accord carries the promise of high quality, long life, and outstanding reliability. Prices start at $33,195. Close second: Mazda CX-7

Best Gas Sipper: Nissan Versa

Offered as a 4-door sedan or a 4-door hatchback, the Versa offers exceptional room for four and has one of the best CVTs we have driven. Owners say 30 miles per gallon is common on the highway. The price is right, too, starting at $12,630. Keep a lid on the expensive options, and the expected rush to $4 a gallon will seem a much more bearable.

Proof that Detroit Ain't Dead Yet: Cadillac CTS

GM went after the autobahn cars with its new CTS and snuck a goal into the far right side of the soccer net late in the game. With its in-your-face front end styling, quality interior, crisp handling and 304-horsepower V6, the CTS serves notice that Detroit ain't dead yet.

Best Uber Alies Car: Rolls Royce Drophead Coupe

It is a big convertible that rings every luxury chime in the books and adds one -- the optional teak wood surrounding the area where the top folds down. There are wonderful retro touches inside, and the big Rolls grill with the Flying Lady stands out from Detroit to Dubai.

Best Comeback: Saturn

The interior of the Saturn Outlook has a luxury car feel to it, something that you could not always say about this brand. It could use a few more horsepower, but the Outlook will haul lots of kids and their stuff. Add in Saturn's way of dealing with customers and its no-nonsense pricing, and we think the brand is on the way back. Its Aura sedan impressed with its handling and quality interior, and we very much look forward to a spin or three in the upcoming entry-level Astra.

Best Green Cars: Tie between Honda FCX and Chevrolet Equinox

Both are encouraging looks at what the future might be like without gasoline. They were both comfortable, quiet (since they are electric powered) and eminently practical cars that will meet the real world needs of real customers, assuming that manufacturing costs can be lowered, and a network of hydrogen filling stations can be established. With just water vapor coming out of the pipe, you could be really green in about 2011 or so.

Other notables:

BMW 328i: Simply a great car! Leave off the i-drive, which our test car did not have, and you end up with a fun sedan that is ready to hustle you from New York to L.A., or Brussels to Berlin.

Mini Cooper S: Power, performance and 29 miles per gallon are just a few reasons to buy one. The main reason, however, is that it's just silly grand fun to drive any Mini anywhere.

Volks GTI: The GTI is back and solidly a driver's car again. For less than $30,000 base you get to 60 mph in just over 6 seconds, and will enjoy sports-car handling that is guaranteed to make your palms sweaty.

Toyota Highlander: Smooth, powerful, and able to take large loads at a single bound. That's the new Highlander. Its dash panel with large knobs for audio and ventilation should be required reading for all auto design teams. Keep a firm hand on the options, and the new Highlander is a very good value.

We look forward to the New Year on the roads, even though it could be a rocky one for the auto makers if the price of gasoline continues to soar and the economy stalls. We will keep you on top of the trends with our gas sipper's updates and never-ending search for fun wheels to get through it all.

Comprehensive Guide to Shopping for Auto Insurance or Motorcycle Insurance

By Chaz G. T. Patto - June 2023.

Auto insurance and motorcycle insurance are crucial for protecting yourself and your vehicle in the event of an accident, theft, or other unforeseen circumstances. With numerous insurance providers and policy options available, it can be overwhelming to navigate the process of shopping for insurance. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the key factors to consider and make informed decisions when shopping for auto insurance or motorcycle insurance.

Assess Your Insurance Needs

Before you start shopping for insurance, it's important to assess your specific needs and requirements. Consider the following factors:

Research Insurance Providers

Once you have a clear understanding of your insurance needs, it's time to research insurance providers. Consider the following steps:

Obtain Multiple Quotes

To find the best insurance coverage at an affordable price, it's important to obtain quotes from multiple insurance providers. Consider the following steps:

Compare Coverage and Costs

When you receive quotes from different insurance providers, it's crucial to compare them based on coverage and costs. Consider the following factors:

Evaluate Discounts and Benefits

Insurance providers often offer various discounts and benefits that can help reduce your insurance costs. Consider the following:

Review Policy Terms and Conditions

Before finalizing your decision, carefully review the terms and conditions of the insurance policy. Pay attention to:

Finalize Your Decision

After careful consideration of all the above factors, it's time to finalize your decision and purchase the insurance policy. Ensure you have the following in place:

Final Thoughts

Shopping for auto insurance or motorcycle insurance requires careful consideration of your needs, thorough research of insurance providers, and a comprehensive understanding of policy details. By following this comprehensive guide, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions, find suitable coverage, and protect yourself and your vehicle in any unforeseen circumstances. Remember, it's essential to periodically review your insurance needs and compare quotes to ensure you're getting the best coverage and value.