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Electromagnetic Ship Docking System Debuts

Posted by chrisd on from the can't-dock-with-canoes-though dept.

Makarand writes "A system that uses electromagnets for docking ships is getting ready to be tested at a port in the Netherlands according to this article in the New Scientist. Magnetic docking systems were never used in the past as magnetic fields posed dangers to sensitive cargo like TVs and monitors. Researchers at the Delft University of Technology have developed electromagnets whose magnetic fields do not penetrate far into the ship for this special application. The magnets can be periodically switched off and on rapidly to allow ships to rise and fall with the tide."

6 of 164 comments (clear)

  1. BAD PUN ALERT by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Electromagnetic ship docking systems are very attractive.

    1. Re:BAD PUN ALERT by Anonvmous+Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

      "We can't let them replace dock workers just because they have magnetic personalities!"

      Are you kidding? Most dock workers are bi-polar.

    2. Re:BAD PUN ALERT by goatasaur · · Score: 3, Funny

      Well, I guess they're fluxed no matter what.

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      ~D:
    3. Re:BAD PUN ALERT by qnonsense · · Score: 3, Funny

      God, these jokes are repellent.

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      There comes a time in every man's life when he must say, "No mother! I do not want any more Jell-O!"
    4. Re:BAD PUN ALERT by goatasaur · · Score: 3, Funny

      Maybe you should learn how to conduct yourself on Slashdot.

      Some people respect the gravity of this situation!

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      ~D:
  2. It's been done- by paiute · · Score: 3, Funny

    The Navy tried this using the USS Philadelphia, but the field was too strong, and the ship disappeared. It came back later filled with drunken Eagles fans.

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