The Aquabus C60 is a pollution-free, solar-powered catamaran that can reach 11 knots while transporting 60 people. However in Chichester Harbour we are licensed to carry a maximum of 50 passengers and speed is restricted to 8 knots.
Solar Heritage began life as one of three Solar powered ferries operating out of Neuchatel in Switzerland's Three Lakes Region (Les Trois Lacs), the area that hosted the Swiss 2002 National Exposition devoted to Nature and Technology. The three ferries carried people to and from one of the exhibitions in mid lake, on a continuous basis for six months between May and October 2002. The exhibition hosting the Solar ferries was devoted to Alternative Energy, and part of the reason for obtaining a solar powered boat by Chichester Harbour Conservancy was to heighten local awareness and interest in these matters.
The vessel has two sources of energy – electromagnetic energy from the sun and conventional energy from the National Grid. Questions are asked regarding operation in cloudy conditions. MW Lines have tested their vessel at night and have found it will even pick up an electric charge from moonlight! MW Lines, the Swiss manufacturer, specialise in designing solar powered vessels and vehicles, used in different countries round Europe. The vessel is driven by two electric motors, one in each hull. Both have their own independent propeller and rudder linked to the same steering in the wheelhouse.
Solar Heritage arrived in Itchenor in May 2004, after a 24 hour drive across Europe on three articulated lorries. On arrival she was reconstructed at Northshore Ltd by her Swiss engineers, brought over especially for the occasion.
The benefits of using an electrically driven solar Powered catamaran as opposed to more conventional fuel driven vessels are:
