Largest ship on the planet

[Keith Tindell]

Interesting short clip on the BBC news web page, on the largest box boat ever built, and why its cost effective etc KT

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24444134

[happy daze john in oz]

In theory such ships are very cost effective as it comes down to cost per tonne to move the cargo. But in the event of a disaster of any type then the question muat be raised, was it worth it? Such ships will also have a limited number fo ports they can visit.

[Tony Wilding]

they are ok untill a serious problem occurs, what if a quick dry docking is required ? hard to find i would imagine because of size. , i still say you cannot keep building bigger, we are heading for a major disaster. 19 more of these monsters in the pipeline, and even bigger planned already.

[Captain Kong]

I certainly would not like to sail on those types of ships.
The view from your cabin window or port is of a rusty container inches from the glass, where do you go on deck to get some exercise or fresh air?

Give me a Big oil tanker anyday. Good sea views from my window,, half a mile of deck around the rails to jog along, Sports day on a Sunday, racing round the rails, a case for the winner, Throwing the Welly from the Starboard side to the Port over the flying bridge, a case for the winner of the furthest throw, or just strolling around the deck in the sunshine and fresh air.
It was a great life.
Cheers
Brian.

[Ivan Cloherty]

Nothing better Brian than walking up and down the deck or bridge wing on a sunny day listening to the steady throb of the engines propelling your little steel island ever onwards to your next port of call and new adventures. We did have a good time at sea and the correct eras, something no one can take away from us

[cappy]

only thing better ivan going down the gangway with a big payoff and going home

[Keith Tindell]

I think this was the ship that i read somewhere about, no cook, micro meals, do your own grub, wash your gear up afterwards, extra crew sent aboard to tie up and leave port. 22 crew is very short handed at sea. I suppose ship owners will run her for a few trips, she has paid for herself in quick time. Last consideration is crew safety. As has been said before, stand by, its only a matter of time before we have a major problem with one of these monsters KT

[John Gill]

I notice a few of the comments re size, are a trifle doom-laden. are we becoming a crew of Luddites? Sea going craft have been getting bigger since the Ark ran aground on Mount Ararat. There will always be accidents and incidents to sea going vessels whatever their size. I agree, the bigger the ship the bigger the potential disaster, but i still believe, even with some of them with minimal staff aboard,that safety would be of the essence whichever nation owned them. (apart, maybe that country that resembles a boot). Talking of boots, i believe that Welly Throwing contests are to be introduced at the Commonwealth games in Glasgow- better start training now Kong.
gilly

[Keith Tindell]

Could it be that we are heading for ultimately, is these large monsters being completely unmanned, crews to let them go, set them on a course, guided by remotes, much like drones, and met and tied up by shore crews, maybe doom laden, but possible for the future??? KT

[cappy]

they seem to be doing it with planes....ie those drones the yanks are using....guess it will happen in time regards cappy