Kreatif Design has launched a solar-powered catamaran to improve maritime transport on the Great Lakes of Africa with an emissions-free vessel for the local population.

The Slovenia-based design created a lightweight and economical vessel with 10 solar panels attached to the roof that contribute up to 4 kW of power. The catamaran has lithium “Powerwall” type batteries.

The vessel allows the driver to cruise at a speed of six to 12 knots, with a range of 40 kilometres. The boat is not just solar powered, but also has strength-to-density ratio. This means the boat can absorb a large number of shocks before being damaged. For that purpose, the designers chose polyethylene (HDPE) as the primary build material.

The conditions on the African Great Lakes are unpredictable and can change quickly. According to the African Great Lakes Initiative (AGLI), the boats they use are mostly easily destructible and uncompetitive to weather conditions, which, in addition to the lack of equipment and poor communication, leads to a considerable number of deaths.

The challenge for Kreatif Design was to make an affordable and reliable emission-free vessel that would meet the needs of the locals and overcome all weather conditions on African waterways.

Rosa Medea is Life & Soul Magazine’s Chief. She writes about lifestyle including sustainable and green living