Fuelled by the sun, wind and the rushing waves it’s gliding over, the
world’s first solar-powered vessel is making its way from Dubai to the
Maldives, where it will call at the LUX South Ari Atoll for a week-long stay.
The Porrima is a 36m long vessel equipped with 515sqm of solar
panels, capable of harnessing the sun’s rays to propel the boat. With
its excess solar energy, it’s also able to convert sea water to
hydrogen. It has already traversed the ocean twice, proving that purely
renewable energy can be effectively utilised in pursuit of a greener
Earth.
“This is a revolution; this is a milestone for the world,” said
Gunter Pauli, founder of The Blue Economy and owner of Porrima. “We want
to share how Porrima generates more than enough power, and uses this
surplus energy to clean the ocean from nanoplastic. We want to set new
global standards rather than building museum pieces.”
The five-star resort of LUX South Ari Atoll will house the innovative
boat and its crew on the island of Dhidhoofinolhu. Resort’s guests and
visitors will be invited to explore the vessel alongside a conference
where Maldivian government officials will talk about the country’s
future as becoming a prioneer in the hydrogen economy.
“We are delighted to be the key partner of Porrima’s Blue Voyage,
where this partnership reinforces our Group’s strategic focus on
sustainability development and sharing pioneering breakthrough concepts
of zero emissions facilities that operate within natural boundaries,”
said Lux South Ari Atoll general manager Patrice Aira.
When the Porrima is docked at Lux
South Ari Atoll, resort guests will be able to visit the vessel for a close-up look at its power solutions, including two skysails that offer
electric power during the day and night, the combination of solar power and the ‘intelligent’ kites, and the production of drinking water and hydrogen energy.
Porrima will end its world tour in 2025 when
it sails to the Osaka World Expo to display its innovative experience.