Solar-powered ferries for Hong Kong Harbor

It is about time but it is here. Shopping paradise Hong Kong is going green now by launching four solar-powered ferries sailing across Hong Kong’s harbor helping cut emissions of global-warming gases. The boats were designed by Sydney-based Solar Sailor Holdings Ltd and ordered last July by the Hong Kong Jockey Club. On a sunny day they will operate three-quarters using the sun’s energy and a quarter using liquid petroleum gas. The technology could cut in half carbon-dioxide output on a typical urban ferry route. It seems a lot of ships, planes and auto makers are trying to cut greenhouse gases from transport, which account for about 13 percent of global emissions. Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd recently said that the government would create 50,000 new “green” jobs and trainee posts to support a low-carbon economy.

The ferries were purchased as part of a $45 million drive to make the city more environmentally conscious. The boats will be used for services between the club’s Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course and Sai Kung pier.
[Bloomberg]