Written by Kris Land
Going from the FS-289 Camano Class Light Cargo Ship for the US Army to fishing boat was only the first step. Today, an effort is being made to turn the Sea Bird into a powerful, environmentally friendly, water-cleaning vessel. Maritime technology has come a long way and we now have the ability to manufacture parts and machinery that have a significantly lower impact on the environment.
Military ships are generally not considered when people think of eco-friendly advancements. However, the New Bedford IX-308 also known as the USNS New Bedford (T-AKL-17), or Sea Bird, is working to change that.
During its heyday in the U.S. Navy, the USNS New Bedford could consume over 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel in a single day. Recent changes in engineering and energy conservation have opened the door for waste oil to actually power larger ships such as the Sea Bird. Were in the process of building a completely new engine that will hopefully enable us to do this, implementing a combination of classic technology theory and cutting-edge developments in a one-of-a-kind engine for the Sea bird. Not only will this dynamic vessel encourage other boats to operate with green technology, but it will also be used to begin collecting garbage and pollution floating in the earths seaswe plan to invest a significant amount of effort in cleaning up the North Pacific plastic patch!
Sadly, the world is beginning to witness the consequences of poor choices made on the behalf of mankind. It is time that we stepped in and started cleaning up after the problems of the past. The refitting of the Sea Bird is one enormous first step, and you can help. Take a look at the site and learn about the history of this great vessel. Here, you can find out how modern technology is going to transform a former military ship-turned-fishing boat-turned-eco friendly ship into an asset to our precious environment.
Lend a hand in our earth conscious efforts by supporting the transformation of the Sea Bird. On this site, we have listed more information about the former USNS New Bedford IX-308, now the Sea Bird, its history, and planned improvements.
While donations are appreciated and will play a big role in cleaning up the earth, we're more concerned with getting people involved and spreading the word about innovative earth-saving measures. Be proactive and sign up for our (blog) and (forum) to tell us what you think, learn what others have to say and get exclusive updates on one of the most significant technology and environmental projects happening right now! And feel free to forward on any information you found useful and interestingwe want everyone to be a part of this very special endeavor. Let's keep the idea pool fresh!
Larger companies are welcome to ask us about sponsorship to receive advertising space on the Sea Bird. Show your commitment to the environment and support of an innovative green project as we rebuild an old naval vessel and turn it into something truly unique! We're trying to make history here, and while amazing breakthroughs have been made by individuals, we'll get further faster in our earth-saving mission when we're able to stand on the shoulders of a few giants.
This is a shared responsibility and we're all in this together!
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Related Articles:
San Diego Dry Dock (part 2)Chris Conant
Gas vs. Diesel vs. Tesla TurbineSarah Paulin
Global Climate Change vs. Global WarmingSarah Paulin
Powering the Sea Bird: The G50 Baldor Reliance AC VC MotorKris Land
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Breaking News
If every house in the United States changed all of the light bulbs in their house, that would be equivalent to taking one million cars off the streets.
1944: Camano Class Light Cargo Ship was laid down for the US Army as FS-289 at Wheeler Shipbuilding in Whitestone, NY.
1945: Delivered to US Army.
1950: Acquired by the US Navy on July 1, 1950 and placed in service as USNS New Bedford (T-AKL-17).
1954: The movie, Mister Roberts, was made on the USNS New Bedford (T-AKL-17).
1955 - 1963: Used as a cargo supply ship for the Texas Towers, a network of advanced radar stations located off the Eastern Seaboard. In 1957, Capt. Sixto Mangual was commander of the AKL-17 and in 1961 it was rechristened the USNS New Bedford. The New Bedford, sailing out of State Pier, was keeping vigil when Texas Tower No. 4 callapsed off the New Jersey coast during a January 1961 nor'easter.
1963: Reclassified as Miscellaneous Unclassified (IX-308).
1971: The New Bedford (IX-308) served as a Torpedo Test Firing Vessel in the Puget Sound area.
1994: Ceremony in New Bedford.
1995: The ship was struck from the Naval Register on April 4.
2004: The Sea Bird's current disposition is a tuna long liner (fishing boat) out of San Diego, CA.
2006: Design of the Tesla Turbine began on June 11, 2006. The Sea Bird was sold by Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service for commercial service.
2007: The Sea Bird was drydocked for renovations.
2008: The Sea Bird setting sail to Sea-Tac in Seattle, WA.
2009 - 2010: The Sea Bird is currently docked at Seattle Sea-Tac.
