Hi =)

What do you all think of the freedom ship city? I love the idea but I'm just unsure as to whether or not it will really happen too soon.

http://www.freedomship.com/

Thanks

I have been on a few ships in the middle of the ocean. Don't think that idea would hold up through a Typhoon.

The discovery channel says that if what you say were to happen happened it would be able to handle tidal waves and large-scale hurricanes by steering out of their way to avoid them altogether. If a confrontation is unavoidable, they'll turn on all of the ship's 100 propellers, pointing them towards the center of the ship for stability.

The ship's hull is composed of 600 huge air-tight steel boxes. A significant number of these would have to be punctured before residents noticed anything amiss.


http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/eti/projects/ship1.html

Just buy a waterbed. All the fun of living on the sea without the 2.5 million dollar room and artificial city.

If you check there real estate page, prices begin at just $60, 000 and according to :

http://www.globalpolicy.org/nations/freedom.htm

Over 1/5th of the units have been sold...I really like the idea. just imagine going to a place that you have always wanted to go for, arrive there, and still live in your normal place. no hotel fees. still comfortable. i'm really considering buying a unit.

Originally posted by whatever

The ship's hull is composed of 600 huge air-tight steel boxes. A significant number of these would have to be punctured before residents noticed anything amiss.


Woah...Does that really remind you of the Titanic?

This ship could fit probably 10 of the titanic's in it...they said it coul fit the 4-5 largest ships ever made inside the hull of this ship and they would fit comfortably.

Hmm..

if i was just rich enough :D

"... voyage that required slowly cruising around the world, hugging the shoreline, and completing one revolution every 3 years.."

Very slow and close to the shorelines. Now if i can just win the lottery. :D

"Iceberg Straight ahead!"

I don't know about this, since we are, well were at war and all waht about terrorism? Could it cake a bomb in it's hll and still stay a float in the middle of the atlantic?

I don't know about this, since we are, well were at war and all waht about terrorism? Could it cake a bomb in it's hll and still stay a float in the middle of the atlantic?


I'll try and find the link from one website that explained how terrorism and bombs are prevented on the freedom ship...

I'd live there. Is it a tax free haven? :D

^ in that case sign me up lol

Originally posted by Aussie Bob
I'd live there. Is it a tax free haven? :D

If you guys read the article, yes it is.

I remember reading this on another site that I can not find any more. Had a list of ideas about new nations, citys ,ect anyone know about it again?

Anyways if I had the money I would get a unit.


-added I found the site :D

Hmm, can I get Hi speed internet access? ;)

umm....

yes its tax freee..

but the cose ?!?!?!?

Absolutely retarded idea. Somebody's pipe dream.
Is it possible to build? Sure. Will it break apart and sink? Yep.

The amount of money and time that would go into building something like that to be safe would be ridiculous. You might as well build a space station just like that and launch it into space with 10 huge rockets strapped to it's sides.

Notice that it is not built or being built, yet.

Actually, what makes more sense is if the building was reversed so that the units were under the water line and the roof was at surface level. Then huge storms and waves wouldn't have enough surface area to bang against because everything would be under water. But underwater units would create just as challenging hurdles to overcome than units located 35 stories above water.

The ocean corrodes stuff faster than you can imagine. Even with 24x7x365 maintenance I doubt they could keep up. What if bad weather hits and you can fix something? One of 1,000 scenarios.

If the foundation on your house cracks your house won't sink because a solid mass of rock and dirt is below it. Well, nothing below the city boat. foundation cracks and you got a 1 way ticket to fish heaven. Might as well build a city hanging from the trees.

I've seen something similar to that before a few years ago. It was a man made island though.

Originally posted by RMF
I've seen something similar to that before a few years ago. It was a man made island though.


Well islands are connected to the ocean floor. They don't float. Just a pile of earth that rises out of a body of water. So they are quite stable.
How could you anchor a floating device to the ocean floor?

From their FAQ: http://www.freedomship.com/freedomship/FAQ/FAQ.shtml

3. Misperception: The ship is a tax dodge.

Facts: The Freedom Ship community has not been conceived as a tax haven. While the community itself will levy no taxes, citizens of countries such as the USA would not realize any income tax savings by residing in or running businesses in the community, at least at the federal level, since American citizens are taxed on their worldwide income. USA citizens living abroad are given tax deductions, but not if they reside on a ship. Citizens of certain other countries may realize tax savings by residing in or running businesses in the Freedom Ship community, as they would by residing in or running businesses in any country outside their own. Nonetheless, that is not one of the reasons the project was conceived.



As for Appolo- Do you have a degree in mechanical engineering or ship building? Are you qualified enough to say without a shadow of a doubt that it is not possible? If people who have gone through many years of schooling, and have even more years of experience building other seafaring vessels say that it IS possible to build such a ship. I'll believe them over someone who has seen the movie titanic and has an opinion that its not possible.

Originally posted by amish_geek
From their FAQ: http://www.freedomship.com/freedomship/FAQ/FAQ.shtml

3. Misperception: The ship is a tax dodge.

Facts: The Freedom Ship community has not been conceived as a tax haven. While the community itself will levy no taxes, citizens of countries such as the USA would not realize any income tax savings by residing in or running businesses in the community, at least at the federal level, since American citizens are taxed on their worldwide income. USA citizens living abroad are given tax deductions, but not if they reside on a ship. Citizens of certain other countries may realize tax savings by residing in or running businesses in the Freedom Ship community, as they would by residing in or running businesses in any country outside their own. Nonetheless, that is not one of the reasons the project was conceived.



As for Appolo- Do you have a degree in mechanical engineering or ship building? Are you qualified enough to say without a shadow of a doubt that it is not possible? If people who have gone through many years of schooling, and have even more years of experience building other seafaring vessels say that it IS possible to build such a ship. I'll believe them over someone who has seen the movie titanic and has an opinion that its not possible.


Well, I am a Civil Engineer and have helped design a number of industrial projects. No experience designing ships but civil/structural engineering would be required in the case of freedom city, as well as mechanical, electrical and process engineering. Also, I did not say it is not possible. I said it is, but probably not feasible. Sure, we can do all the calculations to make it function under various situations at sea but there are far too many unknowns as a floating city has never been built before. If anything it would be a very expensive experiment.

Originally posted by appolo
Well, I am a Civil Engineer and have helped design a number of industrial projects. No experience designing ships but civil/structural engineering would be required in the case of freedom city. Also, I did not say it is not possible. I said it is, but probably not feasible. Sure, we can do all the calculations to make it function under various situations at sea but there are far too many unknowns as a floating city has never been built before. If anything it would be a very expensive experiment.

Ahh, I must have misread/interpreted your original post then. I agree, it is most definately possible. However, I would not want to invest my money into such a venture. But the grandeur of the this venture is what will sway many many people to invest. And if/when it is built, they will either reap the rewards for their investment, or lose their money.

If it is built, I will surely try to at least visit it :)


I have a friend who is serving on the USS Enterprise, and that thing is a floating city of 3000+ people. It has been running since the mid 70's and isn't due for retirement until the 20-teens/20's I dont see much difference between this Freedom ship, and the Enterprise, other than the freedom ship would be like 10-20 enterprises tied together. It is physically possible, and knowing some people, it will create a demand. Heck, it may even be the solution to over population!

Well, building it will sure teach us a thing or two about expanding into the ocean.
The USS Enterprise is indeed a massive ship. But the larger the more maintenance, etc...
But I'm with you. If they ever build something like that I'll surely go visit it. Without a doubt. Then hurry up and get off before something goes bad.:)

that would be one of the most stupid things i have ever heard...............

Originally posted by appolo
Well islands are connected to the ocean floor. They don't float. Just a pile of earth that rises out of a body of water. So they are quite stable.
How could you anchor a floating device to the ocean floor?

Well, it wasn't made out of earth stuff (rocks and dirt). It was much like a boat. Maybe "island" wasn't the best way to describe it. But it wasn't a boat.

[sorry, missed that what I was posting was already posted!]

Originally posted by amish_geek
I have a friend who is serving on the USS Enterprise, and that thing is a floating city of 3000+ people. It has been running since the mid 70's and isn't due for retirement until the 20-teens/20's I dont see much difference between this Freedom ship, and the Enterprise Actually, the current Enterprise was launched in 1960. But it was out of service for four years being overhauled, and was redelivered in 1994. Since then, like the rest of the carriers, it's back at the shipyard for four to eight months for maintenance about every two years. A typical deployment is six to eight months; the Freedom Ship is supposed to spend two years travelling around the world.

So if there's not much difference between the two, how is the Freedom Ship going to handle in-water maintenance in a way that the US Navy can't? The ship can't be built in a shipyard, and it also obviously can't be maintained in one -- not that the residents would be too happy about their home being a noisy shipyard for a while, even if it could happen.

I don't know, maybe they have a plan... but the comparison to the Enterprise doesn't help make it sound feasible.

It is all good but how do the residents make money ?

do they work if so how when where ? :D

They would work yes, remember the ship will contain the world's largest shopping mall and require over 20, 000 crew.

From their website :

In effect, students will board ferries instead of buses to visit their classroom?the world in its entire splendor! The ability to see and experience other people and their cultures firsthand is what sets Freedom Ship's school system apart from the rest.

Wow! I would have love to have done this when I was at school! This is amazing


We have budgeted $400 million in capital investment to build a large state-of-the-art Western-medicine and Eastern-medicine hospital and purchase medical equipment. A medical research facility will also be built and staffed by some of the world's brightest scientists.

Ummm...where is all this money coming from?

If you look at their website as well, under 'real estate', units aren't too expenisive either =) I am however a little worried about them saying that the ship won't need life boats

FROM http://www.escapeartist.com/OREQ4/Freedom_Ship.html

You are not allowed to evacuate in the event of a major wild fire? (Freedom Ship does not intend to provide lifeboats because it is “virtually unsinkable”. )


Where have we heard that before? Think 1912, think Titanic =)


http://www.escapeartist.com/OREQ4/Freedom_Ship.html
States many interesting and startling points, if true, but it hasn't put me off one bit.

see I think they are doing it all wrong. If you have that much of a business venture here is what I'd do.

I'd buy a couple of new age oil platforms and stick them in the Gulf of Mexico. I'd then convert it into a hotel/casino. I'd have some of the finest chefs, suites, and some great shopping. The thing is at my casino drugs would be lgeal, there would be no drinking age, prostitution would be legal, and the cocktain waitresses would wear only thongs, I'd be rich.....

Originally posted by JayC
Actually, the current Enterprise was launched in 1960. But it was out of service for four years being overhauled, and was redelivered in 1994. Since then, like the rest of the carriers, it's back at the shipyard for four to eight months for maintenance about every two years. A typical deployment is six to eight months; the Freedom Ship is supposed to spend two years travelling around the world.

So if there's not much difference between the two, how is the Freedom Ship going to handle in-water maintenance in a way that the US Navy can't? The ship can't be built in a shipyard, and it also obviously can't be maintained in one -- not that the residents would be too happy about their home being a noisy shipyard for a while, even if it could happen.

I don't know, maybe they have a plan... but the comparison to the Enterprise doesn't help make it sound feasible.

Yes. That is a good point. And remember, the crew of 3,000+/- on the USS Enterprise is there mainly for maintenence. Just about every single person works a 8hr shift cleaning, repairing, etc.. just to keep it afloat. I doubt everyone on freedom will want to do all that work. you will be very surprised the amount of maintenance that will be required. So if freedom residents don't want to do all the work then a LARGE staff will need to be there and work IN and OUT of the water EVERY DAY. Anyone want a job? :)

Someone brought up a good point about fire. So imagine the entire "apartment" caught fire? Where does everyone jump? Where does everyone go that has been displaced and has no apartment to go to?
Even with the oil platform idea you will have the same prob. Heck, even in a space station.

As a final note, On January 12, 2002 I attended a special “Meet the Managers” seminar hosted by Freedom Ship in Clearwater, Florida


looks like its been going on a while and its not even near building so i wouldnt hold my breath for it to become reality in the near future.

and if you buy a house there and you are a bit old what happens if you die before its built?

Originally posted by dk2
see I think they are doing it all wrong. If you have that much of a business venture here is what I'd do.

I'd buy a couple of new age oil platforms and stick them in the Gulf of Mexico. I'd then convert it into a hotel/casino. I'd have some of the finest chefs, suites, and some great shopping. The thing is at my casino drugs would be lgeal, there would be no drinking age, prostitution would be legal, and the cocktain waitresses would wear only thongs, I'd be rich.....

If you build it, they will come...

regarding disasters, by looking at there pictures i can see that the whole top of the ship is like an airport with runways and airplands and 'copters. i am sure they would be able to resuce a few of the residents in them if need be.

my $.2 :)

[edit]
as well they have ferries leaving 24/7 and is traveling close to the shoreling...

Originally posted by kneuf
regarding disasters, by looking at there pictures i can see that the whole top of the ship is like an airport with runways and airplands and 'copters. If you read through the faq, they say that they're not even really sure they'll be able to land planes on it. They're planning on using turboprops in the 40-seat range, but say that if safety or noise considerations end up making that not feasible they'll expand the amount of space used for helipads and parks. Helicopters are a lot more expensive to purchase and operate than airplanes (and in general aren't as safe) so they'd rather used fixed wings.

Anyway either one could certainly work for evacuating people (and the thing would have it's own port so other boats would be able to dock with it as well), but I found it interesting that they don't even really know how workable the airplane idea is yet.

Somewhere I read a target date in 2003. I don't think it was on their own site, but another article about the project. Obviously they're pretty far behind. I have to say I'd be surprised to see something like this done anytime in the near future.

I heard about that on TechTV a few months ago. I guess according to TechTV it wouldn't be able to last as a ship but as a permanent structure it's possible however living on it would be very expensive. Seeing as I couldn't even handle a deepsea fishing trip on the gulf without throwing up 8 times in an hour I don't think I'd last although cruise ships are nice :)

I think someone is just trying to sucker money out of people and investment companies and run away with it.