Lets fight Global Warming

The world's first cargo ship partly propelled by solar power took to the seas on Friday in Japan, aiming to cut fuel costs and carbon emissions when automakers ship off their exports.The huge freighter, capable of carrying 6400 automobiles, is equipped with 328 solar panels at a cost of $1.68-million, the officials said. Company officials said the 60 213-ton, 200-metre-long ship is the first large vessel in the world with a solar-based propulsion system. So far solar energy has been limited to supporting lighting and crew's living quarters.

The solar power system can generate 40 kilowatts, which would initially cover only 0.2 percent of the ship's energy consumption for propulsion, but company officials said they hoped to raise the ratio.

source: iafrica.com

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The shipping industry has come under growing pressure to take part in efforts to curb global warming, which is blamed on carbon emissions and this is certainly a welcome step!