Just by reading the article the impression is that it's both faster and should be cheaper (?). I get that only some type of cargo would fit or would make sense to load like this. What are the downsides?
Of course, setting aside the value of zero emissions which is their obvious selling point, it would otherwise be competing against big container ships (up to 200,000 tons!).
I assume that until they scale it for a few more generations that it'll be more a gimmick for low tonnage luxury items that just want the zero emission marketing claim. Even after scaling, I assume it couldn't be competitive for most bulk things.
Sailing by proxy.
[1] https://www.wartsila.com/marine/products/ship-electrificatio...
Hydrogen just doesn't have the density required here. Even if you want to use hydrogen-powered fuel cells, it might make more sense to convert it to ammonia for transport and storage.
So, yes, the ship would have to take all the hydrogen it needs with it.
Not that I don’t think sailing is a bad way to move cargo, but I suspect if it does work, it won’t be small boats with crew.
I doubt the “added latency” part. How long do you think it takes to unload 11,000 twenty-foot container from a ship? Do you think anyone would move the contained stuff faster if it were just in a loose pile?
But container ships also want fast turnaround times. This is not a convincing argument.
There are hybrid options with flettner rotors and deployable kite sails for partial fuel savings on specific routes, but it's all rather experimental.
I imagine you're close to correct, but that some people might be willing to pay a premium for types of cargo that normally would not turn a profit. "Fine goods", as my local Specs puts it.
Also pirates, undead and otherwise.
Really the list goes on.
Any port in a storm isn’t a good motto for a long life.