Written by Danielle Salley, Four Green Steps

The uniquely designed vessel, the Tûranor PlanetSolar, intended to prove that solar energy can power water transportation, with none other than successful results!  The vessel is berthed in Hong Kong, yet was designed in New Zealand, built in Germany and exhibits a flying Swiss flag... how eclectic! The Tûranor PlanetSolar has been circumnavigating regions of the globe, with mere limitations to remain near the equator for maximum solar energy provisions for the voyage.

Evidently, this 102-foot vessel is, in essence, a scientific experiment as high solar energy requirements limits its potential usage for commercial shipping and trade expeditions to areas of the world that do not experience such direct sunlight year-round.

The vessel began its voyage one year ago, beginning in Monaco, and has completed two-thirds of its expedition. Its upper deck is covered with over 5,300 square feet of photovoltaic solar panels, while the boat has a miraculously odd exterior design.

The four-person crew monitors the performance of the panels and of the lithium batteries that act as solar energy storage tanks to be used as power sources during the night and in overcast conditions.  At such times, the vessel can sail at a speed of 15 miles per hour. So far, the crew has travelled across the Atlantic to Miami, the Panama Canal, the Galapagos Islands, eastern Australia and the Philippines... and it’s not over yet!

The most encouraging message behind this 100% solar powered vessel is that it works!—however, to effectively use solar panels on commercial vessels for trade would require, at this time, that solar panels be a component of the overall energy production, not its entirety.  This would be highly beneficial in terms of reducing emissions, like nitrogen oxides and sulphur which are abundant in shipping fuel.  Hong Kong, for instance, rests alongside one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world and would benefit greatly by a diminution of the high pollution levels experienced year-round.  Stay tuned...

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