The Naluwan, one of the nation’s few high-end electric ferries that also runs on solar energy, made her maiden voyage at Sun Moon Lake (日月潭) on Friday.
Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area director Chang Chen-chien (張振乾) said the electricity-powered boat, the sixth to operate in the area, is equipped with solar panels and powered by a hybrid of lithium batteries and solar energy.
The vessel utilizes hydrogen fuel cells for auxiliary power, making it the first of its kind in the nation to apply the technology.
Photo provided by the Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration
Wang Ying-chih (王英志), general manager of the vessel’s manufacturer, said the Naluwan is the most luxurious ferry among those operating in the lake. The vessel is to cater to the need for chartered sails in the hopes of kickstarting the drive for high-end tours in the scenic area, he added.
To maximize the efficiency of its power system, the ferry takes the form of a catamaran comprising two parallel hulls of equal size, allowing it to sail with extra stability and encountering reduced water resistance.
The Naluwan boasts a range of amenities, including audio-video and ambient lighting systems, a refrigerator, an electromagnetic oven and a microwave oven.
Furthermore, with “fishing windows” and built-in USB ports, passengers can enjoy fishing without worrying about their mobile device batteries running down during the journey.
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