Comments on: The evident value of such a submarine tanker for refueling oil-burning surface ships in wartime has kept this concept alive https://www.isegoria.net/2026/03/the-evident-value-of-such-a-submarine-tanker-for-refueling-oil-burning-surface-ships-in-wartime-has-kept-this-concept-alive/ From the ancient Greek for equality in freedom of speech; an eclectic mix of thoughts, large and small Sun, 14 Jun 2026 19:08:36 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.6.1 By: Isegoria https://www.isegoria.net/2026/03/the-evident-value-of-such-a-submarine-tanker-for-refueling-oil-burning-surface-ships-in-wartime-has-kept-this-concept-alive/comment-page-1/#comment-3762093 Isegoria Sun, 15 Mar 2026 23:26:46 +0000 https://www.isegoria.net/?p=54034#comment-3762093 It’s The Dragon in the Sea now. I’ve been meaning to read it.

The original “Under Pressure” version is available online, as Bill pointed out elsewhere. (Thanks, Bill!)

]]> By: Dan Kurt https://www.isegoria.net/2026/03/the-evident-value-of-such-a-submarine-tanker-for-refueling-oil-burning-surface-ships-in-wartime-has-kept-this-concept-alive/comment-page-1/#comment-3762091 Dan Kurt Sun, 15 Mar 2026 22:57:31 +0000 https://www.isegoria.net/?p=54034#comment-3762091 21st Century Sub, a paperback, was the name I read the Herbert story under during my youth. If I remember correctly Herbert imagined torpedos being carried as external stores and bases located well inland accessible through underwater tunnels.

]]> By: Bill https://www.isegoria.net/2026/03/the-evident-value-of-such-a-submarine-tanker-for-refueling-oil-burning-surface-ships-in-wartime-has-kept-this-concept-alive/comment-page-1/#comment-3762085 Bill Sun, 15 Mar 2026 15:29:46 +0000 https://www.isegoria.net/?p=54034#comment-3762085 Science fiction writer Frank Herbert (author of Dune) discusses this possibility in his 1955 story “Under Pressure” serialized in Astounding Science Fiction:

“We developed an underwater drilling technique working from converted subtugs,” said Belland. “A high-speed, low-friction pump and a new type of plastic barge complete the general picture.”

The admiral’s mouth spread into what he probably imagined as a disarming grin. It succeeded only in making him appear more piratical. ‘The boys call the barge a slug, and the pump is a mosquito.”

Dutiful chuckles sounded through the room. Ramsey smiled at the forced response, noted that Dr. Oberhausen maintained his reputation as Old Stone Face.

Admiral Belland said, “A slug will carry almost one hundred million barrels of oil. The [Eastern Powers] know they’re losing oil. They know how, but they can’t always be sure of where or when. We’re outfoxing them.”

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