Toyota's Solar-Powered Cargo Ship

The Japanese automaker made its first shipment of Toyota, Scion and Lexus vehicles from Japan to the Port of Long Beach in California using the Auriga Leader. The car-carrier vessel is outfitted with 328 solar panels that can generate as much as 40 kilowatts, which — unlike similar ships — actually feeds the generator and helps power the ship. Other carriers simply use solar power for lighting.

Stretching 656 feet and weighing 60,000 tons, the Auriga Leader is operated by NYK Line and can transport up to 6,200 vehicles.

NYK Line has set an ambitious goal to reduce the energy consumption of its ships 50% by 2010. This involves not just solar power generation but improved ship operation, redesigned hull form, innovative propulsion systems that save energy, and improved cargo handling.

World’s First Solar-Powered Car Carrier (Behind the Wheels)