robert fulton

- Ship Design & The Inevitability of Change Maritime Reporter, Oct 2019 #46
At one time the most powerful lighthouse in the United States was Twin Lights in Highlands New Jersey. Today it is a wonderful little museum and right now it has a very interesting show of paintings by Maarten Platje on the War of 1812. One painting is called the Great Chase and it tells this amazing story of the US Frigate Constitution being becalmed off the New Jersey coast and becoming engaged in a rowing race to keep out of range of a powerful British Squadron. The Constitution escaped and went on to have her amazing victories that year, but if she had been caught, today we would have never heard of her.
What really struck me as interesting is that, while this rowing race was taking place offshore, Robert Fulton was running his steamboat up and down the Hudson not even 100 miles away. If that steamboat had been out there to tow the Constitution, she could have outmaneuvered the entire squadron and really put a hurt on the British, and navy steam would have been adopted overnight.
Instead, we know that steam did not become a feature of naval warfare until the Civil War half a century later.
What is less well known is that during the War of 1812 Robert Fulton built a steam gunboat and even delivered it to the US Navy, but the Navy never quite figured out what to do with it.
Why did it take so long for the technology to be accepted? There are too many reasons for this column to discuss that, but in this 80th anniversary issue of Marine Reporter you are probably reading about things that may appear strange today, but will be commonplace in the 100th anniversary issue. (Maybe I will still write an occasional column at that time and can check back how wrong I was today.)
Steam Battery "Demologos" (1814) Drawing by her designer, Robert Fulton, November 1813, showing the ship's general arrangement. Credit: U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.
As far as predicting the future is concerned, I am not interested in things that are simply the march of technology like ship autonomy. For my prediction I am reaching back to that painting. I am betting that, in 20 years, commercial sail will have found a new footing in commercial maritime.
I don’t think that sail will become a dominant means of propulsion, but with the pressures of carbon reduction, and a combination of parallel innovations, I am starting to think that there will be a place for commercial sail in long haul bulk transportation.
I see quite a lot of sail propulsion proposals out there and, on a technological level, some proposals make sense to me, and others make no sense at all, but what I rarely see is a system analysis of the use of sail in bulk transportation.
The combination of incredibly improved communication methods, vastly better weather and current predictions, and emerging sail technologies, inherently will make sail propulsion much more reliable and will vastly improve the transit times between distant ports over the early 20th century transit times.
The improvement is not just marginal; it is momentous. While I am not for a second suggesting that sailing bulkers will go as fast as today’s fastest sailboats, it should never be forgotten that the fastest waterborne circumnavigations have been achieved with sailboats. Not steamships, not diesel ships, not nuclear ships, not even nuclear submarines; the fastest waterborne circumnavigation was accomplished by the trimaran IDEC 3 in 2017 at 41 days. This boat’s inherent top speed of 33 knots (that is average speed over 24 hours!) was needed, but speed means nothing if you can’t keep the wind, and weather routing allowed this record to be set.
Unfortunately, it is mathematically more difficult to take advantage of weather routing if your vessel is slower (it is more difficult to route the vessel into the optimal winds and to keep it there), but longer term accurate predictions and big oceans with lots of alternatives help a lot.
Today it is not unrealistic to assume an average transit speed of 8-10 knots on long voyages for big sailing bulkers.
That is zero emissions at speeds that are not far away from slow steaming bulkers!
Unfortunately, the logistics customer today wants predictability and average speeds are not the same as actual speeds, and therefore the cargo may arrive a little late, or a little early.
There are two ways to fix this issue. One is to generate a little energy underway with solar or trailing propeller systems. This energy can be managed to keep the vessel in the wind zones by running under power for relatively short distances when needed.
The other way to fix it is to think in logistical system terms. If we think of sailing bulkers as both transport and storage devises, a fleet of sailing bulkers can simply be loaded and sent on their way to deliver the cargo at some distant location. Once the flow starts, the vessels can be scheduled to arrive earlier and simply keep station under sail until the berth is available. Two or three vessels in the proverbial pipeline can ensure, to a very high degree of certainty, that cargo will be delivered when required.
Most likely sailing bulkers will use a combination of both approaches and other technological advances that will come down the pike in the next few decades.
I am pretty sure it will happen, unless there is a renewed interest in nuclear propulsion. Newer nuclear technologies show a huge amount of promise, but while an individual shipowner can elect to invest in sail, the investment in nuclear needs to be driven by government investment. And government investment in maritime is as rare as a young nation with a small Navy being able to teach the largest Navy in the world a lesson or two.

The Author
Rik van Hemmen is the President of Martin & Ottaway, a marine consulting firm that specializes in the resolution of technical, operational and financial issues in maritime. By training he is an Aerospace and Ocean engineer and has spent the majority of his career in engineering design and forensic engineering.
This article was first published in the October 2019 edition of Maritime Reporter & Engineering News. For each column I write, Maritime Reporter & Engineering News has agreed to make a small donation to an organization of my choice. For this column I nominate Twin Lights Historical Society, the co-organizer (with NMHA) of Guns Blazing! The War of 1812 exhibit at Twin Lights Museum in Highlands, NJ. The show will run through November 22, 2019. http://www.twinlightslighthouse.com/about-us.html
- New England Sections Of ASNE And MTS Discuss Submersibles Maritime Reporter, Dec 15, 1978 #41
was a one-man self-propelled vehicle of the Revolutionary War that traveled just beneath the surface. The forerunner of the modern submarine was Robert Fulton's Nautilus. This vessel of 1800 used a sail for surface propulsion and a hand-driven screw propeller for submerged travel. After highlighting many
- 1978 Maritime Day Program In The Port Of New York — New Jersey Maritime Reporter, Jul 1978 #16
in the exciting pageant included symbolic Egyptian, Roman and Viking seamen, as well as Christopher Columbus, Henry Hudson, John Paul Jones, Robert Fulton, the fictional Captain Ahab, and World War II merchant seamen from Britain and the United States. The flag brigade included 100 cadets — 50
- The Holland Project: Leveraging History to Build Tomorrow's Ships Maritime Reporter, Nov 2002 #66
, including the ship's dual propulsion system. The idea to use different propulsion systems for surfaced and submerged operations dates back to Robert Fulton, who combined a hand-cranked propeller with a sail that folded for submerged operations. But John Holland was the first to combine an electric
- Rebuilding the Presumption of Preemption Maritime Reporter, May 2013 #18
later. The state of New York had granted exclusive rights for the operation of mechanically-powered ships in its waters to the company founded by Robert Fulton. A competing company brought suit. After losing in New York state court, the competitor appealed to the US Supreme Court. In striking down the

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May 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 59
decarbonization by using am- Camperdown is based on the exclusive-to-Sanmar RAstar monia as the cleaner alternative to conventional fuel. 2900SX from Robert Allan Ltd., primarily intended for demanding AET also signed the Shipbuilding Contracts escort operations in exposed areas. (SBC) for these two vessels
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April 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 24
Adm. Philip Sobeck (right) Commander of U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) explains the tradition of the Navy ‘looping ceremony’. Lt. Robert P. Ellison assumes the title of MSC’s Flag Aide during the ceremony. NEEDS MILITARY MORE SEALIFT MARINERS, NEW SHIPS COMMAND Founded as the Military
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April 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 20
adolescence, common mantras are ‘learn from the established European model’ and ‘embrace technology transfer from the offshore oil and gas sector.’ In Robert Langford, the American Bureau of Shipping has all of that and more bundled in one neat package. Langford recently visited with Maritime Reporter
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April 2024 - Marine News page: 48
.com (504) 780-8100 C4 R.W. Fernstrum & Company www.fernstrum.com (906) 863-5553 3 Raymarine www.raymarine.com/commercial (603) 864-9668 25 Robert Allan Ltd. www.ral.ca Please visit our website 15 Scania, USA Inc. www.scaniausa.com (210) 403-0007 13 Schoellhorn Albrecht www.schoellhorn-albrecht
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April 2024 - Marine News page: 28
. Master Boat Builders is also constructing more conven- tional vessels. In mid-2023, it announced an order for two 92-foot escort tugs, with design by Robert Allan, Ltd. to be built for Moran Towing, based in Connecticut. Though us- ing conventional fuel, the boats will feature Caterpillar 3516 EPA Tier
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April 2024 - Marine News page: 6
issues. He contributes regularly to this magazine. tical support, including analytics and communica- tions, to businesses across the maritime spectrum. 2 Robert Kunkel, He is a freelance writer and regular contributor to president of Alternative Marine Technologies and First this magazine. Harvest Navigation
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February 2024 - Marine News page: 35
building the simulators, Virtual Marine owns and operate a series of training centers, including three in the Americas: Newfoundland, Broussard, La. and Robert, La. Harnessing the power of technology Over the years, Virtual Marine has witnessed signi? cant advancements in technology, particularly in virtual
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February 2024 - Marine News page: 6
on maritime and ronmental issues. He contributes regularly to this magazine. security issues. He is a regular contributor to New Wave Media titles. 2 Robert Kunkel, president of Alternative Marine Technologies and First 6 Barry Parker Harvest Navigation, served as the Federal Chairman of of bdp1
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November 2023 - Marine News page: 64
(906) 863-5553 53 Rhotheta International Inc www.rhothetaint.com/marine (954) 495-8700 31 Ribcraft USA LLC. www.ribcraftusa.com (781) 639-9065 41 Robert Allan Ltd. www.ral.ca Visit us online 21 Schoellhorn Albrecht www.schoellhorn-albrecht.com (314) 965-3339 29 SEATAC Marine www.seatacmarine
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November 2023 - Marine News page: 27
unit. The same yard has two tugs un- signi? cant inherent differences in vessel categories and their der construction for Moran Towing; also with a Robert Allan operating conditions, there is no ‘one-size-? ts-all’ approach to design, set for 2025 delivery. Most recently, Gulf LNG Tugs future low-
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November 2023 - Marine News page: 13
.” feedback to try to develop a better product, this was all At the end of October, DMI performed sea trials for Ar- super attractive to me.” temis, a new Robert Allan Ltd. RApport 2500 tug for Br- Manning said his attention to the relationships side of usco, to be chartered by Crowley. It is also currently
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November 2023 - Marine News page: 6
on the Board of Directors for In- land Rivers, Ports, and Terminals Inc. 8 Myra Shannon-Fuller is a marketing and communications manager at ABB 4 Robert Kunkel, Marine & Ports and a Massachusetts Maritime Academy president of Alternative Marine Technologies and graduate with 15+ years of industry
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Frank Manning, 58 People & Company News 22 Is Maritime Going Nuclear? Diversi? ed Marine, Inc. 59 New Products By Robert Kunkel, AMT By Eric Haun 62 Classi? ed Advertising 64 Advertisers Index On the Cover Empire State is the lead vessel in a series of ? ve new ships
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November 2023 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 74
of more The Author than 90 Starlink terminals for the Fleet. The only obstacles Riley to even broader application of the technology are necessary Robert Riley is the Information Technology testing and approval in accordance with the Department of & Networks Branch Chief at the USCG Defense’s Risk
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November 2023 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 73
OPINION: The Final Word The Next Evolution in Maritime Communication is Now By Robert Riley, Information Technology & Networks Branch Chief, USCG R&D Center ny Coastie who has served onboard a Coast nology not only works, it exceeds expectations at every level. Guard vessel of any size, or class can
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November 2023 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 70
in Türkiye are undergoing sea trials ahead of being delivered to SAAM Towage’s Canadian ? eet. The tugs are based on the ElectRA 2300SX design from Robert Allan Ltd (RAL). They were launched on April 8 and September 9 respectively, and measure 23.4m LOA, with an 11.9m beam and maximum draft of 5.5m
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Maersk Godmother of Laura Mærsk, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in front of the vessel with Ane Maersk Mc-Kinney Uggla, Maersk Chair, Robert Uggla, Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc, Denmark’s Minister of Business, Morten Bodskov, President and CEO of HD Hyundai, Kisun Chung ? anked by the Captains
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November 2023 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 4
and maritime sectors. t: (212) 477-6700 f: (212) 254-6271 Ewing MarineLMS. Tom Ewing is a freelance writer Riley specializing in energy and envi- Haun Robert Riley is the Information ronmental issues. Eric Haun is editor of Marine Technology & Networks Branch News. He has covered the com- Chief at the
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October 2023 - Marine News page: 14
in control, have been unmis- Barry developed. Left to right: Scott Kreis, vice president of sales and engineering; Jeff Dempke, general manager; Robert LeCoque, technical manager; and Blaine Dempke, CEO. 14 | MN October 202
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, to land Rivers, Ports, and Terminals Inc. businesses across the maritime spectrum. He is a freelance writer and regular contributor to this magazine. 5 Robert Kunkel, president of Alternative Marine Technologies and First 10 Jeff Vogel Harvest Navigation, served as the Federal Chairman of is a partner
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September 2023 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.youngusa.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(231) 946-3980 3 . . . . . .Robert Allan Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ral.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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kW hour. ment, and in ? ve years’ time, we might not consider this a big The ESS will be deployed across four battery rooms and project at all,” said Robert Clifford, Incat Chairman. 6770 HP, Tier IV Class McAllister Tug Arrives in Virginia cAllister Towing announced the arrival of the tug Jane McAllister
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sits on the Board of Directors for In- land Rivers, Ports, and Terminals Inc. 7 Jeff Vogel is a partner in Cozen O’Connor’s transportation & trade 4 Robert Kunkel, group. He focuses his practice on strategic and operation- president of Alternative Marine Technologies and First al matters affecting the
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(906) 863-5553 41 Rhotheta International Inc www.rhothetaint.com/marine (954) 495-8700 31 Ribcraft USA LLC. www.ribcraftusa.com (781) 639-9065 27 Robert Allan Ltd. www.ral.ca Visit us online 13 Scania, USA Inc. www.scaniausa.com (210) 403-0007 19 SEATAC Marine www.seatacmarine.com (206)