• snooggums@kbin.social
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        1 year ago

        It is far more than that.

        It needs to be cost effective (which might include profotabilit6), be feasible to implement, sustainable, and a bunch of other stuff too.

        Aircraft carriers and subs being the only transportationethod using nuclear is a good sign that it isn’t practical for shipping. That is likely a combination of nuclear requiring highly trained staff that are not just out in the work force, the ability to procure a reactor and maintenance parts, the ability to obtain fissible material, the ability to dry dock a ship with a nuclear reactor, and a bunch of other stuff that could even be affordable without being practical for reasons beyond costs.

    • ElectricAirship@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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      1 year ago

      We don’t always do the most practical thing though.

      For instance lateen sails are not the best sail design but is used by every sail manufacturer currently.

      • snooggums@kbin.social
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        1 year ago

        Best depends on many factors beyond things like efficiency, weight, or durability. Lateen sails are easy to implement with a single mast, are easy to store and maintain, and everyone that has sailed has experience with them. Other sails might do a better job of catching the wind, but with tradeoffs on maintenance and usability.

        Practicality is often complex and leans towards easier maintenance and established knowledge.