There are several projects around the world that offer inspiration for what’s possible at Govan Graving Docks as a sail cargo hub.
Modern sail cargo is not just about nostalgia for the past. Most importantly it is a proven means of tackling climate change by reducing CO2 emissions from shipping. It is tried and tested the world over so why not on the Clyde – the river that once built a fifth of the world’s ships?
Sail cargo is about the FUTURE!
Sail cargo presents a business and economic case for dry dock restoration.
It’s about creating sustainable, long-term skilled jobs for the people of Govan and Glasgow for decades to come. Some examples:
- Traditional skills preservation, shipbuilding techniques, carpentry, etc – with modern adaptations
- Modern sailing ship construction – e.g. using composite materials – as well as building wooden ships
- Shipbuilding, repair/restoration and other technical skills
- Sail makers
- Experience for shipbuilding apprentices
- Sailing skills training
These are just a fraction of the jobs that a maritime park could create. Most importantly they would last much longer than the time it takes to build some flats.
In Govan we have the ideal site to both operate a sail cargo facility and showcase it as an integral part of a major maritime park attraction. Govan offers a central location to create this – close to the heart of Glasgow. It would enable the wider emerging sail cargo industry to be exhibited in an accessible way not just as a concept idea but a practical, working commercial operation. It would also be a way to create a connection between the past and the future by having this in what was once the most important shipbuilding location in the world. It is a much more suitable location to raise the profile than other sites further down the Clyde that could be suitable but are less accessible to visitors.
If one of the dry docks was restored to working order it could be used to build and repair sail cargo ships – returning civilian shipbuilding to Govan for the first time in decades. It could also be used for restoration projects on historic vessels, bringing part of the site back to it’s original use.
Part of the site could also be used to load/offload goods from small sailing ships – creating even more activity and interest.
It would create a living museum – with activity that still serves a practical business and economic purpose – not just preserving the history in aspic.
You can see some examples of the sail cargo concept at http://sailingdog.org/sail-freight-projects-around-the-world/
