First US Hybrid Ferry to Take Tourists to Alcatraz
Alcatraz Island, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the US, will soon have visitors arriving on a hybrid ferryboat. The Hornblower Hybrid will be powered by two ten-foot-tall wind turbines and a photovoltaic solar array covering the awning’s top deck. The solar and wind energy will be used for the boat’s navigation tools, lighting, and other electronic devices.
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In addition to alternative energy sources, the Hornblower Hybrid will also feature clean, fuel-efficient marine diesel engines.
Of course, the vessel isn’t much more than a publicity stunt if riders aren’t given information about its energy use. Let’s hope that Alcatraz Cruises takes the time to educate the school groups and visitors from around the world that take trips to Alcatraz every day.
Photo Credit: Alcatraz Cruises
Correct me if I’m wrong here but the idea of converting wind energy to electricity sounds inefficient when you could use just the wind to directly power the boat via sails…
Looks like we might also be seeing hybrid recreational boats soon: http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/16/hybrid-drivetrains-filtering-down-to-boats/
[...] Schwartz covered the inauguration of the first hybrid powered ferry boat, of Alcatraz Cruises, Inc., that would bring tourists to Alcatraz and Angel Island, back in [...]