A Hornblower Hybrid has literally been making waves in the waters off San Francisco for some time now. Running on a mix of solar, diesel, and wind power, the Hornblower Hybrid has set a new standard for sustainable seaborne transport.
Come April 2011 the Big Apple will debut its own Hornblower and it’s going to pack more oomph than its West Coast sibling. More than just a showcase for green efficiency, New York’s Hornblower Hybrid features recycled materials used on its construction which includes glass counter tops, LED lighting, LEED carpeting, and non-toxic weather-proof paint.
But the real attraction of the 600-passenger vessel is its hydrogen fuel. Where the San Francisco Hornblower featured a mix of diesel, wind, and solar this new vessel has the same plus hydrogen. This is done thanks to a proton membrane fuel cell that produces electricity from hydrogen, a process the Hornblower Hybrid’s makers have revolutionized to the point where it can be adapted to other vessels.
Here’s what Terry MacRae, CEO of shipbuilders Horblower Cruises & Events, has to say: “By combining hydrogen, solar and wind power, Hornblower will minimize its environmental impact as we transport guests to popular national landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Our goal is to reduce emissions to the greatest extent possible, with a goal in the future to eliminate them entirely during a cruising day.”
Via Gizmag
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