'Sunflower', a solar-powered hybrid boat, will soon be launched in Bangladesh by Rahimafrooz Renewable Energy and Chattogram-based Taratari Shipyard.
The boat, locally known as kayak, was designed by French-born Bangladeshi Yves Marre, who is also the managing director of Taratari Shipyard.
"For the first time in Bangladesh, a kayak has been equipped with a hybrid system combining the solar and wind energy," Marre told a media briefing, jointly organised by Rahimafrooz and Taratari at Chattogram Press Club on Tuesday afternoon.
"'Sunflower' is capable of running for three days nonstop on a single charge," he said, adding that they plan to introduce the new hybrid boat across Bangladesh soon.
Marre said, "The boat will be fast, secure and affordable in price compared to convention diesel-run engine boats... this environment-friendly boat will be a revolution in the country."
He said the kayak has sailed across Bangladesh from its border with India to Hatiya Island in the Bay of Bengal, reports UNB.
Marre noted that the new boat has been sailing for the last one year along Brahmaputra, Jamuna, Padma and Meghna to examine its potential in Bangladesh.
Shaikh Monowar Ahmad, Head of EV Project of Rahimafrooz Renewable Energy Ltd, briefed reporters about how the boat is powered using solar energy, new technology batteries, and its technical sustainability.
Rivu Dewan, GM of Taratari, also responded to questions on business development.
They said 'Sunflower' had immense possibilities and can have a positive impact on inland water transport and influence sustainable entrepreneurship and offer employment opportunities.
They said the boat will open a new era of energy saving, energy efficiency and optimisation of climate mitigation.
They said they initially plan to launch 'Sunflower' boat capable of carrying 8-10 people and gradually increase the capacity.
