Ships have been a crucial mode of transportation for centuries, facilitating trade and commerce across the globe. With advancements in technology and engineering, we’ve seen significant improvements in ship design, safety, and performance. However, one aspect that hasn’t seen much progress in recent times is the speed of ships.
In the early 20th century, ships were designed to be faster and more powerful than ever before. In 1907, the RMS Lusitania was launched with a top speed of 26 knots, making it one of the fastest ships of its time. Later, the SS United States set the world record for the fastest transatlantic crossing at just over three days. However, since then, there has not been much progress made in speed.
One of the reasons why ships are not getting faster is due to the limitations of physics. As a ship moves through water, it creates waves that resist its forward motion. These waves form a bow wave at the front of the vessel, and the faster the ship goes, the bigger the waves become, increasing resistance and making it harder to move forward. As a result, ships must expend more energy to maintain a faster speed – this is known as the “hull speed.”
Another factor is the environmental impact of faster ships. High-speed vessels emit more carbon emissions, contributing to global warming, and also cause more noise pollution, affecting marine life. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has initiated measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships. The IMO has set a target of reducing the carbon emissions of international shipping by at least 50% by 2050 compared to the levels in 2008.
Furthermore, faster ships require more significant investments in technology and fuel, as well as higher maintenance costs. The need to improve fuel efficiency has resulted in slower ship speeds, enabling ships to operate more efficiently, saving fuel and reducing emissions. Sloane Hunter, program director at global supply chain management provider, C.H. Robinson, said in an interview, “There’s a trend to slow down ships, to optimize fuel consumption, and reduce the carbon footprint.”
However, there are some recent developments relating to faster ships, such as the use of new propulsion technologies, such as LNG and electric or hybrid propulsion systems. These new innovations promise greater fuel efficiency and reduced carbon emissions, enabling ships to achieve higher speeds safely over longer distances.
While some may argue that ships are not getting faster, technology and environmental concerns are challenging the traditional model of naval engineering. While speed remains a key factor for the shipping industry, it must be balanced with considerations for energy efficiency, environmental impact, and cost-effectiveness. Only time will tell how technology continues to shape the future of shipping.