Around the world in a solar-powered vessel

Photo for representation use onlyA solar-powered ship is all set to navigate around the world. Being constructed at the Knierim Tachtbau shipyard in Kiel, Germany, the ship is hailed as the largest solar-powered vessel in the world.

PlanetSolar is expected to enter the water in April 2011. The multlihull vessel is topped by a large array of photovoltaic solar panels. The engineeres claim that the ship, currently at the design stage, will be a boat of impressive proportions, and will be both silent and clean. The goal is to navigate around the world at an average speed of 8 knots, no mean feat for a solar-powered craft.

The ideal shape and size of the boat for the chosen route will be determined by in-depth research. The PlanetSolar engineers have to factor in a host of parameters, propulsion, solar panel design, energy storage, materials, and the external environment.

A whole range of studies will need to be conducted in areas such as the boat's hydro and aerodynamics, the materials used, the management and storage of energy and, finally, the power plant and the optimal routing.

The multihull will be home to two sailors during the round-the-world attempt, and can accommodate up to 50 people during the promotional trips planned at each port of call.

Ports of call will include New York, Miami, San Francisco, Shanghai, Singapore, Abu Dhabi and Carns.