Slowly ships are also becoming electric, and not only in the military field. Singapore-based Azura Marine has announced the launch of its first solar-powered catamaran. The yacht is able to cross the sea without stopping, using only photovoltaics.
Last year, the largest solar-powered ferry made its first trip to Denmark. Eferry Ellen reaches 60 m in length and transports cars. Over the course of a year of operation, it will reduce CO2 emissions by 2.000 tonnes. Now it's the turn of Aquanima, the first mass-produced solar catamaran.
The launch of Aquanima off the coast of Bali was a small event within an event. The “solar eclipse”, so nicknamed, truly impressed and thrilled.
The solar powered catamaran by Azura Marine it has four cabins and is designed for long navigation without the consumption of fossil fuels and without stops for refueling.
With a collection system, a desalination system and a purification system, even the supply of drinking water is not a problem.
No noise and vibrations. No unpleasant smell of fuel, nor restrictions on navigation. Above all, no emissions, and no pollution of the sea.
Other data on Aquanima, solar catamaran
The electric motors of the 11 meter long vessel are designed to last an average of 20.000 hours. During the day, the yacht travels over 185km. The traction power is 2 × 10 kW, the capacity of the main battery – 60 kW * h.
Aquanima derives all its energy from the sun's rays and stores it in batteries at night. Its 56 square meter solar roof can also be used as a second deck: you sunbathe there, enjoy the sea and also use it as a diving board.
Control and video surveillance systems can be controlled remotely. In other words, the owner of Aquanima has the possibility of remotely checking the conditions of the vessel, the battery charge level and other parameters.
The price?
Salty like sea water. An Aquanima electric catamaran costs 495.000 euros. The speed can be increased if desired by ordering an additional mast and sails.
