Design, production, testing and exploitation of solar coastal passenger ferry

Abstract

This professional paper firstly considers the practical needs, technical experience, market situations, preliminary and feasible solutions of coastal passenger ferries. Secondly, it describes the process of development of a product from conception, design, organization, production, testing, exploitation and maintenance of a new model of solar coastal passenger ferries. The solarCat catamaran project presented in this professional paper has been conceived as self-sustainable zero emission passenger ferry, applying advanced technologies in hull construction, photovoltaics panels, lithium-based batteries and electric propulsion modifiable for different services for urban sites as public transportation vessel. Design and service profile represent an alternative approach to passenger transportation and operations at east Adriatic coastal areas and islands, enabling solar power on vessels for commercial services.