The Amazing Solar-Powered “Plastiki” Boat

Sydney Harbour was abuzz  as the crew of the Plastiki, a boat made from recycled plastic bottles, ended its voyage across the Pacific ocean earlier this month. The ship set sail to raise awareness about the harmful effects of plastics in our oceans and landfills. The crew, including project leader David De Rothschild, ended a 130-day trip that began this Spring in San Francisco.

The boat was constructed using 12,500 reclaimed plastic bottles. The sail is hand-woven from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is also utilized in several other components of the boat’s frame, and the mast is reclaimed aluminum irrigation pipe.

Besides the wind energy harnessed by the Plastiki’s sail, wind turbines and solar panels provide renewable power as well, along with trailing propeller turbines and bicycle generators.

A flotilla of boats welcomed the seafarers and guided them into port, where friends, family and supporters awaited the 10 crew members with an arrival ceremony. According to the Plastiki Blog, all on board witnessed the pollution — much of it plastic waste — slowly strangling our oceans, “affirming their mission to share their experience with the watching world and most importantly highlight solutions to protect our oceans and beat waste.”

Find photos of the Plastiki’s arrival in Sydney, as well as pics and documentation from the entire voyage, at ThePlastiki.com.

Posted on July 29th in Solar News by Dan.