Towing an iceberg to quench the worlds thirst?

Photo via Fastcompany

So what’s the easiest way to get fresh drinking water to the billion+ thirsty people of the world?  Well, according to French engineer Georges Mougin, the key may lie in the freshwater icebergs of the arctic.  Using today’s 3-D technology, satellite data, oceanic forecasting and tugboats, Mougin believes the task is more feasible than ever, and he should know…

In the 70’s, Mougin starting working with Saudi prince Mohammad al-Faisal on a business venture called “Iceberg Transport International”.  Their business plan? To tow a massive arctic iceberg using sailcloth and plastic to the Red Sea.  Needless to say, outlandish costs ultimately led to the companies demise.  Today, some 35 years of technology advancements later, Mougin is still at it and his ideas may just be more possible than ever.

His system can be boiled down into 3 simple yet extremely technologically advanced steps:

Step 1: Find the right iceberg, not too big, but not too small either.
Step 2: Wrap a geotextile “skirt” around it.
Step 3: Tow it before it melts.

Read the full details at Fastcompany.com.

Subscribe for Daily Maritime Insights

Sign up for gCaptain’s newsletter and never miss an update

— trusted by our 107,026 members