May 25, 2014, saw the departure of the MS Tûranor PlanetSolar from Boulogne-sur-Mer in France. The world’s largest solar boat reached Atalayoun, in the Marchica lagoon in Morocco, on Friday, June 6, 2014. The vessel’s arrival to this location shows the Moroccan authorities’ desire to promote the use of renewable energies within the framework of a comprehensive development plan for the Marchica lagoon.

PlanetSolar in Atalayoun in Morocco - Image credit to PlanetSolar

Over the course of a week, the catamaran will serve as the central hub for events meant to showcase the progress of this large project. The stopover will also be an opportunity for PlanetSolar to announce her partnership with the agency in charge of the site’s development – MarchicaMed.

In fact, PlanetSolar will manage a pilot project that aims to power the Marchica harbor master’s office completely autonomously and without CO2 emissions. Moreover, MarchicaMed is interested in PlanetSolar’s experience and expertise, as they would like to use a fleet of electro-solar boats for lagoon transportation.

PlanetSolar from above - Image credit to PlanetSolar

After 13 days of sailing, the world’s largest solar boat dropped anchor on June 6 in Atalayoun, at the heart of the Marchica lagoon. “The first days at sea were rather difficult, with headwinds in high maritime traffic areas such as the English Channel. Fortunately, the weather conditions gradually improved, enabling us to reach speeds of up to 10 knots. We are honored by this invitation and are delighted to participate in the celebration of this beautiful lagoon,” says Gérard d’Aboville, captain of the ship.

The catamaran’s stopover in this area is part of an ambitious development plan of the Marchica lagoon site, started in 2008. The project aims to galvanize the region while protecting and highlighting the lagoon’s natural resources and promoting renewable energies. The ship is therefore coming to pass along her positive message about the efficiency of photovoltaic energy and its many applications.

PlanetSolar - front view - Image credit to PlanetSolar

The catamaran will stop in the Kingdom of Morocco for about two weeks. Then she will sail towards Monaco to participate in the “Solar1 Monte Carlo Cup” solar boat race, as jury host. The ship will then dash off to Greek waters, and again become a scientific platform for the University of Geneva, this time to study submerged prehistoric landscapes during the “TerraSubmersa” expedition.

Aboard PlanetSolar - Image credit to PlanetSolar

A week of celebrations for the MS Tûranor PlanetSolar
While docked at the Atalayoun North Marina, activities will be organized on and around the ship from June 7-14. Stands will present the Marchica lagoon development plan in detail as well as the work carried out to complete the decontamination. For the younger ones, a workshop for building a model of a small solar boat will be offered. In parallel, the boat will be open to the public, raising awareness about issues regarding the use of renewable energies.