The Current State of Seasteading: Dreaming of Floating Sovereignty
Seasteading is the concept of establishing permanent, self-sustaining communities that exist on the open ocean. This idea has been a subject of debate and development for decades, with significant milestones being achieved in recent years. This article explores the current state of seasteading, highlighting recent developments and the vision of those who dream of floating sovereignty.
Historical Context and Early Advocates
Seasteading is not a new concept. Individuals like Chad and Nadia, who faced a dispute with Thailand, have been advocating for this idea for over three decades. Although their initial attempts were met with challenges, they continue to push for the realization of floating communities. Similarly, since 1980, this visionary approach has been championed by others, leading to the formation of organizations dedicated to the growth and development of seasteading.
Recent Developments and Particular Successes
The Seasteading Institute (TSI), a leading organization in this field, has seen significant progress in recent years. As of July 2017, TSI reached an agreement with the Polynesian government to develop a seastead within their territorial waters. This collaboration highlights the Polynesian government's appreciation for TSI's blend of technology and personal responsibility.
TSI has already developed an architectural design suitable for the Polynesian environment, along with a series of engineering, legal, and environmental studies. Their ongoing negotiations indicate a forward-moving process. Additionally, efforts are being made to refine various technologies, including creating seaworthy geopolymer/cement formulas.
Innovations and Prototypes
One of the most promising contributors to seasteading is Anemone, an active member of the seasteading and floathouse subreddits. Anemone is working on prototype floathouses using a new seaworthy geopolymer/cement formula. This innovation aims to simplify the construction process and enhance durability, using advanced techniques such as slipforming and rust-immune rebar. Anemone's designs are in anticipation of employing these technologies in future projects.
Wilfried Ellmer, another key figure in the seasteading community, has experience in building concrete submarines for commercial clients. His interest extends to building more traditional seasteads in South America. Although Ellmer tends to be more private about his recent progress, completed projects he has shown often date back several years.
Other Notable Projects and Challenges
Seasteading initiatives encompass a wide range of technological, economic, and ecological challenges. Many of these projects involve creating prototypes and conducting initial testing. For instance, an old cruise ship was donated to TSI for possible use as a seastead, but the costs involved in conversion proved to be prohibitive. Consequently, the project was abandoned, and the ship was auctioned off to fund other endeavors.
The dream of floating sovereignty remains alive, but significant hurdles remain. The challenge of acquiring and maintaining sovereignty is a critical issue. The world has yet to fully accept the legitimacy of seasteads as sovereign entities, leading to legal and logistical difficulties. However, progress continues, with governments and innovators alike showing increasing interest in the concept.
Conclusion
Seasteading remains a compelling vision for those who seek to break away from the constraints of traditional land-based living. Recent developments, particularly the agreement with the Polynesian government and the innovative work by Anemone and Ellmer, illustrate the growing momentum in this field. As technology advances and public and political awareness increases, the dream of floating sovereignty could one day become a reality.