If you're someone who loves boating but is also conscious about the environment, then the solarCat boat might just be your dream come true. This innovative watercraft is powered by the sun, making it the ultimate eco-friendly solution for water enthusiasts.

From Concept to Reality: The Story of the solarCat Boat

Climate change is a huge problem that our planet is facing right now. Unfortunately, we're seeing some pretty serious effects, like rising temperatures and extreme weather events like hurricanes, droughts, and floods. One of the main causes of this is the burning of fossil fuels, which releases greenhouse gases that trap heat in our atmosphere. That's why it's becoming increasingly important to use renewable energy sources like solar power.

One person who has really taken this to the heart is Tomislav Uroda from Zagreb. He had a vision for a fleet of modern solar ships that would be energy efficient and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Europe. And with his company, iCat, he made that vision a reality! Their solar-electric catamaran is the only self-sustaining boat in the world, which is a pretty impressive accomplishment. No wonder they've earned tons of international recognition and awards!

For example, Ernst & Young, one of the world's top consulting agencies, named iCat as one of the thousand green projects that are important for Europe's recovery and resilience plan, as well as one of 46 priority projects. And in 2020, iCat was a finalist for the Golden Kuna Award from the Croatian Chamber of Commerce and won the Energy Globe Awards.

Eco-Friendly Boating

So what exactly is a Solarcat boat? It's a catamaran-style boat that is equipped with solar panels on the roof. These panels convert the sun's energy into electricity, which powers the boat's electric motor. This means that the Solarcat boat doesn't rely on fossil fuels or emit any harmful pollutants, making it the excellent choice for anyone who wants to reduce their carbon footprint.

This aquatic wonder spans a whopping 15 meters in length and 5 meters in width and can reach speeds of up to 9.5 knots. But that's not all - with its adaptable and multifunctional deck, Solarcat can be transformed to suit any occasion in just 30 minutes. Whether you're looking to transport passengers, host sports and educational events, throw VIP parties, or even stage unforgettable concerts, Solarcat has got you covered. And with a capacity of up to 54 passengers, the possibilities are endless!

If you're worried about the cost of going green, you'll be happy to know that the solarCat boat is surprisingly affordable. Not to mention you will save money on fuel costs, but the boat's low-maintenance design means that you'll also save money on repairs and upkeep.

Hop on a solarCat Drive at National Park Mljet

This awe-inspiring park, situated on the stunning island of Mljet in Croatia, boasts jaw-dropping landscapes, verdant foliage, and sparkling azure waters. The park is most famous for its magnificent saltwater lakes, Veliko and Malo Jezero, which are surrounded by lush forests and tranquil walking trails. But that's not all - visitors can now take their exploration to the next level by hopping on one of the park's three solar-powered iCat boats and gliding across the pristine lakes in an eco-friendly style. How amazing is that?

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iCat, with its solarCat boats, proves that change is still possible, and even the smallest steps can help in saving the planet. And we are glad we had a chance to share their story with you!

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