Very cool: superconductors made simple

Superconductors haven’t often been mentioned in relation to shipping. However, not only could the technology cut the space requirement for both onboard grid and motors, some alternative-fuel vessels might even give it a leg up, writes Stevie Knight.

Superconductor crystalline alloy of oxides of yttrium, barium and copper - YBCO. Photo: Maxim Bilovitskiy. CC2.0

Superconductors haven’t often been mentioned in relation to shipping. However, not only could the technology cut the space requirement for both onboard grid and motors, some alternative-fuel vessels might even give it a leg up, writes Stevie Knight.