Opinion: Cargo Airships as a Viable Transport Option

Cargo airships offer a unique transport solution that sits between the slow speed of ships and the high costs of airplanes, making them an attractive option for connecting global markets more efficiently.

The potential of airships is significant, with some designs capable of transporting up to 100 tons of cargo. This innovation comes at a crucial time when countries like Canada are reassessing their economic strategies in light of changing trade dynamics.

As Canada faces tariff threats, there is a pressing need to explore self-reliance and diversify trade routes. Increasing local consumption is one way to lessen dependency on the U.S. market, but diversifying trade involves overcoming barriers of distance and cost.

Currently, shipping goods to the U.S. can be achieved via multiple methods, including truck, rail, and marine transport. However, for other export markets, particularly outside of North America, options are limited. The existing slow shipping methods contrast sharply with the high expenses associated with air freight.

This creates a gap that cargo airships could fill, enabling a more cost-effective and timely transportation method, bringing markets closer together in a logistical sense.

Perishable goods present a key challenge in transportation. Canada exports many food products but relies heavily on imports for fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those from the U.S. For example, 32% of Canada's fruit imports and 65% of vegetable imports come from the U.S., totaling around two million tons.

The quality and diversity of fruits and vegetables in Canada are quite remarkable, but most fresh produce must travel thousands of kilometers from the U.S. This makes U.S. produce highly competitive due to affordable shipping options. If airships are to compete successfully, they must meet or beat the cost of transporting goods via road.

A recent study showed that using an airship – similar in size to the old Hindenburg – could match the costs of transporting produce from Mexico by truck, with airships potentially making the journey in just 20 hours, instead of a lengthy four to six days by road.

Furthermore, airships could extend the variety of fruits and vegetables available in Canadian markets by allowing direct imports from Latin America, bringing in products that are currently unavailable due to regulatory restrictions on air transport. For instance, tropical fruits from Cuba or Chile could arrive in Canada within just a few days.

In addition to diversifying imports, cargo airships may also help Canada reduce its reliance on the U.S. for fresh produce, facilitating bi-directional trade. A key advantage is that airships maintain constant lift; thus, for every 100 metric tons unloaded, an equal weight of cargo can be loaded in return. This means that countries exporting fruits and vegetables to Canada could offer competitive rates for Canadian products in return.

Despite being geographically large, North America’s trade dynamics often isolate Canada, making 75% of its trade reliant on the U.S. Current logistics systems face challenges in reaching distant markets cost-effectively. However, cargo airships represent a paradigm shift in transportation, allowing for more feasible options for both perishable and non-perishable goods.

Notably, airships can transport bulky items like furniture, which may face constraints with weight in traditional transport vehicles. This ability could lead to new trade opportunities.

While Canada cannot physically distance itself from the U.S., cargo airships could create new economic pathways and bring the country closer to alternative markets. The northern climate also limits year-round local produce availability, making airships vital for accessing tropical goods, which could be traded for Canadian exports.

In conclusion, the changing landscape of international trade prompted by current geopolitical tensions presents an opportunity for Canada to explore cargo airships as a serious transportation alternative. As projects for large airships progress, it is essential for Canada to consider embracing this transport method to enrich its trade relations.

airships, transport, trade