Largest Solar Catamaran Travels to Hamburg

World’s Largest Solar Catamaran Will Make Hamburg its First Destination

Hamburg is striving to become the “European Green Capital 2011”. Hamburg is among the world’s leading cities regarding environment and climate protection. At this year’s “821st HAFENGEBURTSTAG HAMBURG,” which is taking place from May 7th to 9th, 2010. Hamburg is hoping to offer a taste of things to come. For instance, the port festival will host be the solar-powered catamaran “Tûranor PlanetSolar “and the exhibition “PlanetSolar Village.”

The solar catamaran “Tûranor PlanetSolar” is an unparalleled project. Looking like it was built for a science fiction film, the forward thinking design makes the catamaran a modern marvel: with a length of 31 meters, the Tûranor PlanetSolar is the world’s largest solar-powered boat. Its maiden voyage will to the port o fHamburg. The Tûranor PlanetSolar is an engineering feat like no other and the vessel is scheduled to circumnavigate the globe in 2011, and powered only by solar energy.

At the “PlanetSolar Village Exhibition,” visitors can learn more about Hamburg’s title “Green European Capital 2010” and make suggestions about protecting the city’s environment. In an open forum, topics such as solar technology, energy savings and renewable energy will be covered.

May 7th is the official celebration of HAFENGEBURTSTAG HAMBURG, which goes back May 7th, 1189 when Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, granted the tradesmen of Hamburg a charter, providing an exemption from customs duty between Hamburg and the North Sea. The date is also regarded as the port of Hamburg’s birthday.

During the world’s largest port festival, 300 seafaring vessels, among them five cruise liners, as well as 200 additional program items will provide excellent entertainment to more than 1 million visitors from around the world. The HAFENGEBURTSTAG HAMBURG will take place against the impressive backdrop of the port in operation.