These Boats Are Leading the Marine Green Revolution

Hybrid and electric cars might be stealing the spotlight lately, and green technology seems to be all the rage nowadays from our household appliances to our electronic gadgets. But what about other forms of transportation, namely boating? Aside from burning enthanol (which has been problematic for marine applications) or mounting a solar panel or wind turbine, boat owners don't have many places to turn for true advances in green technology. Behind the scenes, though, there are several commercial ventures that are developing alternative energy uses in boats and ships that someday might be available to us all.

Here Comes The Sun

There are other solar powered boats, but PlanetSolar is the biggest and the fastest. The 60 ton vessel's 38,000 solar cells generate enough energy to propel 50 passengers up to 15 knots. The solar cells work so well that they produce much more energy than the boat's engine needs, so the rest is stored in lithium ion batteries for other onboard uses. To demonstrate its unlimited range, the makers are taking PlanetSolar on a world cruise from France to the Panama Canal, across the Pacific and Indian Oceans, through the Suez Canal and across the Mediterranean back to Marseilles.

Say 'Hi' To Hydrogen

In Hamburg, Germany the first commercial passenger ship powered by hydrogen ferries people around on Lake Alster. The FCS Alsterwasser Tourist Ship has two 50 Kilowatt hydrogen fuel cells that give it the capability of transporting 100 passengers and can travel for 3 days before it needs refueling. Other hydrogen-powered passenger pleasure craft include the Nemo H2 in Amsterdam and the H2Yacht Pleasure Boats in Germany.

Back To The Future

Britain's B9 Energy is planning a new kind of commercial transport ship, but they are looking to the past for inspiration. The "sail ship" looks like something Johnny Depp would be at home in, but don't let the looks fool you--this vessel might use old fashioned wind power to achieve its carbon-neutral rating, but it also utilizes modern technology to achieve maximum efficiency. It has automated, self-adjusting sails that respond to even the smallest changes in the wind to maximize propulsion. The boat will also utilize "skysail" technology -- a kite-styled towing system now used on some cargo ships to increase fuel efficiency.

The Prius Of The Sea

Cruising passengers silently around San Francisco Bay, the Hornblower Hybrid is first hybrid ferry in the US. Using energy from solar, wind, grid electric, and Tier 2 diesel generators, this vessel is a true work of environmental art in that it was built by recycling another boat. It uses much less diesel than other watercraft its size and in return has much feweer emmissions. Other green features include recycled interior carpets and countertops and all LED lighting. In 2011, a New York Hornblower Hybrid will come into operation, this one to be also powered by Hydrogen.

These eco-friendly watercraft are pushing the envelope on the latest in green technology, leading the way for the recreational boating community to follow suit. Who knows? Maybe soon we'll see all solar speedboats, or hybrid fishing boats all over the place.

sources: alternative-energy-news.info, windupbattery.com, articles.cnn.com, alcatrazcruises.com photo: charterworld.com, articles.cnn.com

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