PlanetSolar-World’s Biggest Solar-Powered Boat Docks in Victoria Harbour

On 15th of August 2011 the first solar-powered catamaran arrives in Victoria Harbour Hong Kong. The “Turanor PlanetSolar” is on an 18-month world circumnavigation challenge under Swiss flag and took a short break in Hong Kong. Main objectives behind the PlanetSolar project are to demonstrate how efficient existent solar technology already is, to demonstrate the potential of renewable energies and photovoltaic systems and of course to inform and raise public awareness and interests for renewable energies, energy efficiencies, solar energy and photovoltaic. The SolarPlanet project started on 27th of September 2010 in Monaco and is aiming to complete the world circumnavigation challenge in Monaco on April 2012.

Turanor PlanetSolar on Victoria Harbour

Turanor PlanetSolar on Victoria Harbour

Solar Panels on Turanor PlanetSolar

The “Turanor PlanetSolar” docked right next to the Star Ferry Terminal in TST and in front of the entrance of the Harbour City shopping mall. The solar-powered PlanetSolar immediately attracted the crowds and many people took pictures with the 31 by 15 meter white catamaran. The most impressive of this boat is of course the more than 500 square meters of solar panels on deck which are provided by the Solon AG Berlin (Germany). In order to use the sun in the most efficient way, the PlanetSolar crew uses a special “sun route and forecast software and system”. The PlanetSolar can reach a speed of about 15 knots, what is equivalent to approx. 25km/h.

PlanetSolar next to Harbour City

Turanor PlanetSolar on Victoria Harbour

For all of you who missed the chance to see and experience this incredible PlanetSolar you either have the chance to take a look with your own eyes at the following remaining destinations of the around-the-globe challenge:

Shanghai (China) : August 2011
Singapore: October 2011
Mumbai (India): November 2011
Abu Dhabi (Emirates): December 2011
Suez Canal (Transit): February 2012
Monaco: April 2012

Or follow the crew and project on their website (http://www.planetsolar.org/en/home.html#!10/).

By the way, may be some of you have already recognized the name of the PlanetSolar. The “Turanor PlanetSolar” got its name from one of the most famous novels from J.R.R. Tolkien. If you have read the “Lord of the Rings” books you might have stumbled upon the word “turanor” which somehow translate to “power of the sun” and “victory”.

For all of you who love statistics and records: The solar-powered boat already achieved to set two new records. The first record is to be the fastest crossing of the Atlantic Ocean by a solar-powered boat. The second record is the longest distance ever covered by a solar-powered vehicle.

Inside of Turanor PlanetSolar

Logo on Turanor PlanetSolar