From a distance, it looks like an ordinary catamaran harbor ferry. But the sleek white vessel was much more than just an upgraded version of the ferries that ply Sydney harbor.
By: Ali Gripper
Published: August, 2000
From a distance, it looks like an ordinary catamaran harbor ferry. But the sleek white vessel was much more than just an upgraded version of the ferries that ply Sydney harbor.
On its roof were metallic panels which unfurled themselves into solar wings and rotated in the wind, pushing the ferry through the water at more than 10 knots - technology that is expected, ultimately, to revolutionize water transport around the world. Solar Sailor, the first ocean-going electric ferry, powered by the wind and the sun, is not being mass produced yet, but it is the first vessel of its type to combine solar and wind power with a back-up LPG generator.
Designed and built by an Australian team, its vital statistics compare favorably with diesel-fueled ferries: its top speed is 12 knots and it can carry 100 passengers at a time.
And it is pollution-free. It uses no petrol or diesel, emits no fumes and is almost completely silent.
Its inventor, Dr Robert Dane, gave up his job as a general practitioner in Milton, on the South Coast, to see his dream become a reality.
Dr Dane was on his way to the Whitsunday Islands for a sailing holiday when he came across a passage in a book which described how insects use their wings as sun collectors to power their bodies as well as to fly.
"It was like a revelation. I thought if they can do that, surely we can evolve the same thing to power boats?" He had no background in engineering, but had a passion for science and technology and a lot of sailing experience, and knew there was no turning back.
"I believe I was born to do this. I was 40, and at a stage where I could have bought a couple of Volvos and enjoy my success, but there was no passion in it.
"I knew once I’d been given this idea I was responsible to see it through. I didn’t want to be one of those people on their deathbeds, saying ‘I should have done that solar boat thing’."
When a neighbor, Ms Margory Kendall, heard about his plans, she donated more than half of the $200,000 needed for the first prototype. Many others were quick to back the project, which has just received a $1 million grant from the Australian Government.
Expressions of interest for the $2 million ferry have been received from Germany, Australia, Switzerland, Greece, Japan, the United States and New Zealand.
The Australian Premier, Mr Carr, yesterday applauded Dr Dane’s passion and drive and said he hoped solar-powered vessels were "snapped up by transit authorities around the world for cities on waterways".
Solar Sail was greeted by a pod of three humpback whales off North Head. "It was a good omen," Dr Dane said.
