Impressive MS TURANOR Planetsolar arrives in Nuku'alofa [1]
Saturday, April 30, 2011 - 13:41. Updated on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 - 10:06.
THE world's largest solar powered boat, the MS TÛRANOR Planetsolar was an impressive sight as it smoothly sailed into the Nuku'alofa harbour on April 29, during its first ever-solar boat expedition around the world.
The impressive catamaran arrived at Queen Salote Wharf, with four men, including Project Founder Raphael Domjan, Captain Patrick Marchesseau, Jens Langwasser and Christian Ochsenbein.
They were welcomed at the wharf by Hon Frederica Tuita and Tonga Energy Roadmap (TERM) Coordinator Lano Fonua and entertained by traditional dancing performed by a local dancing group.
The multi-hull boat was a remarkable sight as it docked at the wharf. The 31 metre-long and 15 metre wide catamaran topped by 536.65 square metres of photovoltaic solar panels runs solely on solar energy, making it the biggest solar-powered boat in the world with a nominal and maximum speed of 100 rpm to 160 rpm.
Raphael said they were very happy to be in Tonga having sailed from Tahiti for 12 days
"The solar boat expedition has proven that we have this technology today to change energy. And this boat is a living proof of this new technology because it works today not tomorrow," he said.
Solar energy for Tonga
Raphael said this solar energy technology is an avenue Tonga can look at as fuel continues to become more expensive. "Tonga is good because it has a lot of sun nearly all year around for this technology," he said.
On Saturday, April 30 the crew planned to visit St Andrews High School to donate an 8KW PV solar system worth $40,000 Euro, which will supply electricity to the school buildings.
In addition, groups of high school and tertiary students will also take part in exclusive tours of the ship at the wharf before it departs Nuku'alofa at 5pm on April 30, for New Caledonia and then onward to Brisbane.
The MS T û RANOR world expedition totals at 50,000km and to date it has covered more than 24,000 km, since departing Monaco in September 2010.
The name TÛRANOR is derived from the Lord of the Rings Saga of J.R.R. Tolkien and translates into "The Power of the Sun".