After hibernating for the winter at the Cité de la Voile Eric Tabarly, in Lorient, France, the MS Tûranor PlanetSolar will soon leave for new unexplored solar expeditions. In parallel, the Swiss company PlanetSolar S.A. will expand its sphere of activities into the renewable energy as well as clean mobility sector.
PlanetSolar - dry docking in Concarneau, January 2014 - Image credit to PlanetSolar
On the heels of success of the 2013 campaign where the MS Tûranor PlanetSolar demonstrated that it could be operated for practical purposes by carrying out, in collaboration with the University of Geneva, a scientific expedition along the Gulf Stream, the vessel is being prepared for new adventures in pursuit of the sun! The 2014 campaign will be especially focused on the use of the vessel for scientific purposes.
The official launch of this new campaign will take place from 14 to 28 April at Boulogne-sur-Mer (France) where the boat will be the guest of honour at the 23rd Festival des Images de Mer (Festival of the Sea Images), organised by the National Sea Centre (NAUSICAA).
The catamaran will then continue its journey toward the Mediterranean Sea. It will return to the Principality of Monaco, witness of the success of the first solar powered tour of the world in 2012, to offer its services to the Solar1 Monte Carlo Cup 2014 (first solar boat race) which will take place in mid-July.
The MS Tûranor PlanetSolar should then head toward Greece where it is scheduled, in collaboration with the University of Geneva, to resume its role as a scientific platform for the purpose of studying submerged prehistoric landscapes. The catamaran would be involved in conducting undersea research led by archaeologists.
PlanetSolar S.A, beyond the operation of a solar boat
Since its construction in 2008, PlanetSolar S.A. has been focused on the management and operation of the MS Tûranor PlanetSolar. Today, armed with an internationally recognised brand, the company decided to broaden its sphere of activities and put its knowledge, skills and experience in renewable and clean mobility energy at the service of clients and partners. The Swiss company is fuelling the ambition to carve out a place (in the sun) in the photovoltaic (PV) market in Switzerland and abroad.
