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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."

2 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.