The first floating city with significant political autonomy may be established by 2020.
The Seasteading Institute is proud to announce the release of our long-awaited Floating City Project report. Our key findings are:
- a market for a residential seastead exists,
- a practical design can be built to match the market’s price point,
- and it is likely that the Seasteading Institute can reach a deal with a host nation willing to grant a floating city substantial political independence.
Executive Summary
- The Floating City Project presents a practical path to establishing the first floating city with considerable political independence.
- We have concluded that it would be possible to station a floating city in the calm territorial waters of a host nation in order to reduce the costs of the structure compared to constructing for the open ocean.
- A coastal nation may be interested in offering to host a floating community in their territorial waters and allow substantial political independence in exchange for economic, social, and environmental benefits.
- At the time of publication of this report, we are engaged in high level talks with a potential host nation, and entry level talks with others. We will provide more information about these processes when we are able to make the information public.
- We commissioned the Dutch aquatic engineering firm DeltaSync to produce a design and preliminary feasibility study for the Floating City Project, wherein they project that 50-meter-sided square and pentagon platforms with three-story buildings could be constructed for approximately $500/square foot. A square platform could house 20-30 residents; and cost approximately $15 million. A village in a tropical location could feasibly power itself almost entirely with renewable energy.
- Potential residents from 67 countries and many income levels provided extensive feedback on what they desire from a floating city with political autonomy, and their requests are remarkably consistent.
- The market demand for the first floating city with some level of political independence is vigorous and growing.
With gratitude to our supporters, Randolph Hencken, Executive Director Joe Quirk, Communications Director
I believe you should consider Honduras and it’s ZEDE legislation as it provides for some political autonomy. The final touches are being put to the rules and Best Practices master plan.
Has anyone considered the maintenance costs of such structures. As any sailor knows, corrosion is a major undertaking. Obviously on such structures there needs to be a maintenance crew and engineering know-how to repair and replace critical components.
Gareth, if you look at page 41 of the PDF, you’ll see the maintenance costs.
In looking it over, the total cost and upkeep is for one 50 meter square unit or 11 of them?