Take a look above at the picture of the new green ferry, the Miss Statue of Liberty, which will be ferrying up to 600 passengers at a time to view the Statue of Liberty in New York. The statue, of course, reminds people of freedom, and being free of petroleum is what this ferry is all about. An on-board "solar sail" provides some electric power for the boat, and also is capable of catching the wind for forward motion. Additionally, there are two diesel engines which provide thrust. I would like to see real a picture of this craft, so if somebody knows where to find one, please reply to this post or shoot us a line.

The vessel is being made by Solar Sailor Holdings in Australia, at a cost of 8-10 million dollars. I will I had some data to compare that price to, but I haven't been ferry shopping in a while. This article says it will cost about $2 million more than a standard ferry, though. Another green touch: the design is said to create a small wake, which is better for the marine ecosystem.

[Source: WSTM News New York]

Click the above image to view our high resolution gallery of Solar Sailor solar ferries

I read about the plan for San Francisco to introduce two solar-powered, 600-passenger ferries during 2008 to shuttle passengers between San Francisco and Alcatraz Island and was struck by the photo which seemed really familiar. After digging a little further I realised that I've seen one of Solar Sailor's solar vessels many times at Circular Quay in Sydney.

Solar Sailor uses patented Solar Wing technology to both capture sunlight for electricity as well as wind power simultaneously. The wings move automatically, tracking the sun for optimal solar collection and the wind for optimal sail power. In extreme wind situations, they fold down against boat. Much like a hybrid car, large batteries on board the vessels store electricity generated by the diesel generators and collected by the solar panels. The electricity then powers the electric motors.

Interest in Solar Sailor vessels is definitely growing with the news that from the first of January, the Sydney Solar Sailor will be operating as part of the Zoo Express ferry service between Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo. A privately run ferry service using Solar Sailor 100pax solar hybrid ferries is also being established this year on the Australian Gold Coast to service stops between Paradise Point and Broadbeach with more stops being added over time.

Analysis: Its great to see more renewable energy used on the water considering that once upon a time wind power was it for the ships that travelled the world. We've regressed a long way since then but a change is under way and it brings with it the opportunity to keep diesel fuel away from our waterways which can only be a good thing.



Related:

• Electric-hybrid 'aquatankers' could solve water shortages
• Heard of regenerative braking? How about regenerative sailing?
• Solar electric boat SUN21 heading out on transatlantic, oil-free voyage

[Source: Solar Sailor via Telstar Logistics]

Some parts of Australia desperately needs fresh water, and much of New Zealand's rain water runs off into the ocean. A company called Solar Sailor says the country should invest in a fleet of electric-hybrid "aquatankers" powered by solar wings to transport water to needy areas. The tankers would cost a fraction of dams, pipelines or desalination plants. Critics say the tankers wouldn't solve the long-term problem and that a real water-grid strategy is needed. Even if the countries don't use tankers to transport the water, Solar Sailor has other sun-powered marine solutions.

[Source: Courier Mail]