The deck of the catamaran TÛRANOR is lined with over 5,380 square feet of solar paneling that extends over each side of the ship. Measuring around 101 feet long and 49 feet wide, PlanetSolar can comfortably transport 50 passengers to their desired ports of call. Since departing from Monaco on September 27, 2010, the ship has been circling the globe, from Miami to the Panama Canal, to the Philippines and now Hong Kong.
The solar sucking ship cost around $26 million. This may seem hefty, but its reliance on solar power alone saves the vessel exponentially. The solar panels on PlanetSolar power two electric motors, which can reach 15 miles per hour. Combined with other renewable sources (wind) it could move even faster. The panels can also soak up enough stored energy to power the boat in cloudy weather for three whole days. The excess energy is stored in a giant lithium-ion battery.
PlanetSolar is keenly aware that the shipping industry alone is responsible for 4.5% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to the United Nations. Its world tour hopes to enlighten people around the world of the actual capabilities of solar power, that a renewable energy-run commercial vessel is not only entirely possible, but extremely capable.
+ PlanetSolar
Via Phys Org
It definatly saves them money for not using fuel but I doubt it will save them 26 million before it retires. And cargo ships are so heavy, solar power wouldn’t be enough. Make them hybrid solar/nuclear. Nuclear to get started then solar to maintain.
what is with the queer design of the ship
Surely wave power should be used as well, like shock absorbers are being used to generate power?
we need many such sccessful environament friendly ventures in feature. improvement in the photo voltic technology, and combining tidal, wind and solar will give us much better results for the vehicles that move on the sea. a make shift arrangement to produce the wind and tidal power to serve the vessels when ever they are docked will improve the efficiency of the vessel. and will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
The design is “Water Skeeter”. A replica of insect. The Water Skeeter is natural water flying machine. Long tangible pontoons are positioned to grip water. The flying wings catch wind in sail position. When you try to catch a “Water Skeeter”. The Water Skeeter speed, velocity. Can catch sail in mach speed. The “Water Skeeter Design” Solar Pow er boat can with stand “Hurricanes”, Typhoons, High Rip Sea Tides, Invert to small river channels. This boat can “carry small cargo”. But the Super Solar Boat Design “Water Skeeter”. This design can change all Sea Boats “forever and has”. Water Skeeter.