World’s First Solar-Powered Ship Sets Sail From Japan

The Jakarta Globe, 19 December 2008

 

The world’s first cargo ship partly propelled by solar power took to the seas on Friday in Japan, aiming to cut fuel costs and carbon emissions when automakers ship their exports.

 

The Auriga Leader, a freighter developed by shipping line Nippon Yusen KK and oil distributor Nippon Oil Corp., left from a shipyard in the western city of Kobe, officials of the companies said.

 

The huge freighter, capable of carrying 6,400 automobiles, is equipped with 328 solar panels at a cost of 150 million yen ($1.68 million), the officials said.