Abu Dhabi: Having travelled more than 48,000 kilometres using only solar energy, the MS Tûranor PlanetSolar has docked in Abu Dhabi to complete its journey that began last September. The biggest solar ship ever built is currently docked at the Abu Dhabi Marina, close to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), where it will remain for the duration of the World Future Energy Summit 2012.
The ship, which departed on September 27, 2010, from Monaco's harbour for a journey around the world from east to west, will be a guest of honour at WFES 2012 as part of its official national stopover partnership with WFES 2012.
Measuring about 101 feet long and 49 feet wide, the MS Tûranor represents what can be done today with solar energy. Over the past year, the ship has been circling the globe, passing by Miami to the Panama Canal, to the Philippines to Hong Kong to Doha and Abu Dhabi and will end its journey back in Monaco.
Dr Sultan Ahmad Al Jaber, Chief Executive of Masdar, said: "We are pleased to welcome PlanetSolar to Abu Dhabi for the fifth annual World Future Energy Summit. PlanetSolar's voyage around the world spreads an important message about renewable energy and sustainable living and encompasses the wise leadership's vision to create a greener future though a unique platform.
Clean solutions
"Sustainable transport has an important role to play in developing future clean transport solutions and projects such as PlanetSolar and Solar Impulse, a solar aeroplane, demonstrate innovative ideas in sustainable transport solutions," he added.
The World Energy Council estimates that total fuel demand in all transport modes by 2050 will increase by 30 per cent (Tollway) to 82 per cent (Freeway) above the 2010 levels and will be driven entirely by trucks, buses, trains, ships and airplanes.
"The United Nations estimates that the shipping industry alone is responsible for 4.5 per cent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, and PlanetSolar's voyage actively highlights the importance of sustainability within this industry.
"On a local level, Abu Dhabi Ports Company is actively promoting sustainability in shipping within the UAE and in 2011, received three awards for sustainability in their operations," said Dr Al Jaber.
Abu Dhabi is taking strides to enhance sustainable transport through a variety of measures at both Masdar and beyond. Masdar City utilises electric vehicles and Personal Rapid Transit vehicles (driverless automated vehicles) within the city.
Masdar has partnered with Etihad to cooperate across a range of activities to reduce the airline's carbon footprint through sustainable and energy efficient measures.
