Solar and Wind Powered Cruise Ship to Sail in 2020

The Ecoship is said to feature 10 retractable solar-panelled sails, retractable wind generators, and a future-ready hybrid engine.

Japan-based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Peace Boat Wednesday in an emailed press release said that it has completed the design of the "world's greenest" cruise ship, known as the Ecoship, a hybrid wind and solar powered vessel equipped with a "future-ready" hybrid engine.

The 55,000 tonne ship is said to feature 10 retractable solar-paneled sails and retractable wind generators.

"Together with its projected cuts of CO2 emissions and impressive energy efficiency, Peace Boat's Ecoship will be the flagship for green technology in passenger shipping, serving as a model for cruise operators worldwide," stated Peace Boat.

The company says it will announce the vessel's 2020 maiden voyage at COP21, which kicked off in Paris this week.

"Peace Boat's 2020 launch of the Ecoship offers a vision for a climate-friendly future and can lead the way towards a green cruising model that can also impact the wider shipping industry," said Yoshioka Tatsuya, Founder and Director of Peace Boat.

"The industry must adapt to the planet's needs," added Tatsuya.

Peace Boat explains that the Ecoship will carry 5,000 people per year, sail for the organisation's educational voyages around the world, and provide a venue for green technology exhibitions in up to 80 ports annually.

Further, Peace Boat adds that the Ecoship will serve as a "floating sustainability laboratory," contributing to research on the ocean, climate, and green marine technologies.

In October, Japan-based Eco Marine Power (EMP) announced that it has been granted a patent in Japan related to its Aquarius Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) System, a wind and solar power propulsion solution for ships.