From Geoffrey Withington
You reported proposals to reduce the carbon footprint of shipping (17 December 2011, p 20). The rim-driven thrusters, polymer coatings and air-cavity systems mentioned will all increase costs.
In 40 years, the only things the shipping companies have spent money on have been navigational aids, bow/stern/tunnel thrusters for docking, stabilisers and anti-pirate safe rooms. Naval architects are going to have their work cut out incorporating expensive green technology in the vessels of parsimonious owners.
Bridge, Kent, UK
