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Sun-power to beat pollution on urban rivers
Sydney Harbour has just become home for the world's first commercially operated "hybrid" electric ferry - the Solar Sailor. It was built by NSW-based Solar Sailor Holdings Ltd and the company now hopes it will become the first of a new breed of urban ferries that use solar power to beat pollution. The vessel's main power source is its solar panels but it can also switch to bio-diesel if back-up generators are needed. According to the company's CEO, Dr Robert Dane, the non-polluting nature of the vessel is what should attract operators. It produces zero water pollution and zero emissions at the wharf, he says. It also meets the stringent anti-pollution standards set by the Californian State Government - the strictest in the world. Although the initial cost of the hybrid vessel is comparatively high - 50% more than a conventional ferry of similar capacity - during a working lifetime it would be less costly. The company says that taken over a 15-year period, fuel, replacement and maintenance costs would be about half the amount. "We'd love to build one in WA and run it on the Swan River in Perth CBD," said Dr Dane.
