logistics Tech Comparison
Automated Shipyards vs Protected Trade Convoys
Comparing the Automated Shipyards (Tier 3) and Protected Trade Convoys (Tier 3), both logistics technologies in Starforge MMO. Use this to decide which to queue first when your research lab can only run one project at a time.
Research Comparison
| Attribute | Automated Shipyards | Protected Trade Convoys |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T3 | T3 |
| Research time | 28 | 15▼ |
| metal cost | 55,000 | 36,000▼ |
| crystal cost | 28,000 | 22,000▼ |
| credits cost | 80,000▼ | — |
| gas cost | — | 9,000▼ |
| Effect | +3 parallel build queues | +30% cargo capacity; +40% convoy defense; +10% trade profit |
▼ marks the lower resource / time cost. Cheaper isn't always better — weigh it against the effect each tech unlocks.
Automated Shipyards
Fully automated construction arms enable parallel build queues, allowing up to 3 ships to be built simultaneously per shipyard.
Unlocks buildings: automated shipyard
Requires: logistics 7
Protected Trade Convoys
Escort-and-haul doctrine that adds point-defense turrets and reinforced cargo holds to civilian hulls, cutting convoy losses on contested routes. Unlocks the Caravan Trader.
Unlocks ships: caravan trader
Requires: logistics 2, logistics 3
Which Should You Research First?
Both sit at the same tier. The Protected Trade Convoys is the cheaper project, so it's the safer early pick if your economy is tight; otherwise prioritise whichever effect supports your current strategy.