Norway Are Building a Ship-Tunnel

[Tarrel]

The World's first, to avoid shipping having to travel round a coastal peninsula renowned for treacherous conditions.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22157079

Do Powerswitchers see this as a Good Thing, bearing in mind shipping is likely to be a much more important form of transport in a post-peak future (especially coastal shipping)? Or is it just a squandering of energy and resources?

[woodburner]

Bad news.

[UndercoverElephant]

Only a borderline first (canal tunnels are very old hat), and seems rather a lot of effort for something that will save no time. Looks like a waste of effort and resources to me, at first glance anyway.

[the_lyniezian]

My thought is it depends on how it can be maintained, as well as what sort of ships are expected to pass through it. Sailing vessels might not do too well in a tunnel if we must rely on those in years to come.

[biffvernon]

bearing in mind shipping is likely to be a much more important form of transport in a post-peak future

Relatively more important in a world with far less total transport.

[Tarrel]

bearing in mind shipping is likely to be a much more important form of transport in a post-peak future

Relatively more important in a world with far less total transport.

Yes, a greater share of a smaller pie.

[adam2]

I think that it is good news.
AFAIK it is a first for ocean going ships, though there many canal boat tunnels.
Shipping makes very economical use of engine power as compared to land or air travel and is therefore to be encouraged.
This tunnel though not saving significant time, will reduce risks from bad weather which is frequent in the area.
The tunnel will increase reliability by avoiding bad weather cancellations and therefore hopefuly make ships more competitive with road or air transport.

Large sailing ships wont fit through the tunnel unless they have folding masts. Any such ships would be easily towed by a tug, the fuel used by the tug being trivial in view of the short distance.
Sailing yachts should fit OK, and most have auxilary engines already.

[RenewableCandy]

It sounds to me like a good use of energy "while ye may", saving energy and risk in the future. Everyone forgets how dangerous seafaring life was, and indeed can still be. RenewableFrere used to work at sea: don't go thinking it didn't used to bother me.

[adam2]

Update here

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-39521570