Tag Archives: wave power

Back in December, we posed the question: Will the yacht charter industry embrace solar-powered luxury yachts, and if so, when?

At the time, the largest solar-powered boat in the world, MS TÛRANOR, had just arrived here in Miami, FL.  The MS TÛRANOR, also known as yacht PLANETSOLAR is a pioneer for sustainable energy technology on water.  She is currently underway on a global circumnavigation.

The vessel is unlike any current luxury mega yacht charter vessel. Catamaran PLANETSOLAR is a 31-meter multlihull covered by an array of photovoltaic solar panels.  Sliding along like a sailboat – the vessel is propelled by pollution-free electrical engines.

WHAT LIES AHEAD

Just one month later, there is further evidence that solar powered superyacht technology is moving ahead.

Currently in pre-production, the 144 ft OCEAN EMPIRE will be the first solar hybrid superyacht.  She will feature two hydroponic farms and fishing facilities to harvest the sea.   

As a superyacht, LSV OCEAN EMPIRE will liberate the industry from its strict dependence on unsustainable resources by harnessing the renewable collective power ever present in the Earth’s Biosphere.

Ocean Empire is the hopeful forerunner to crewed catamaran charters of the future.  Her build is a state-of-the-art mega catamaran with the ultimate carbon neutrality.  Her solar hybrid design will offer every available luxury within her full range of operation which extends from a 50% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, to ultra-green carbon neutral and zero carbon cruising.

As a charter vessel, with staterooms for 10 guests, she will be capable of feeding over 360 megawatts of electricity to the grid.  That equates to enough energy to make up to 12,000 nautical miles of carbon neutral voyages every year.