To entertain the strongest interpretation of the idea, for purposes of understanding the reasoning: consider a very large, very slow ship trailing a towed PV array not made of steel [1], additionally harnessing sea-surface energy, and the extension/retraction of the tow cable [2, 2.5], made from non-corrosive plastic or plastic-coated materials, that costs hypothetically nothing to maintain, but must be completely replaced every 10 years.

What are the specifications of such a system that it would generate sufficient power to cost-effectively augment or replace internal combustion, and what would the viable price-point for installation be considering costs of bunker fuel? Other comments [3, 4, 5] added the kind of information that might help to answer that. I am interested in sources, and discussion which isn't immediately dismissive of something unproven.

Put another way, how much would low-grade petro-fuels have to cost before this became a viable alternative, and what sources support your conclusions?

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_solar_cell

[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wave_power

[2.5] https://www.tugtechnologyandbusiness.com/news/view,hybrid-pr...

[3] https://news.ycombinator.com/reply?id=17886124

[4] https://news.ycombinator.com/reply?id=17886177

[5] https://news.ycombinator.com/reply?id=17886190

Edit: spelling

Edit 2: added a reference