With the aim of creating more ecological forms of urban mobility, UK-based designer studio Duffy London has developed a water taxi project made from solar-powered bamboo.
According to Chris Duffy, founder of the company, the vessel is made using artisanal techniques and is capable of carrying up to 15 people. “The idea was to develop a photovoltaic energy vessel that was extremely practical, spacious and safe. All this using a modern design with state-of-the-art laser-cut fastening components,” explained Duffy.
“It is an ecological alternative to gasoline boats and is capable of taking advantage of the sun's unlimited energy to transport, in addition to people, cargo safely on waterways in marine environments. A modern, simple and functional double-hull design, built with local materials and processes, makes it a versatile and cost-effective vessel that is ready for immediate production and use on waterways around the world,” the engineer added.
Nicknamed the Hari Pontoon, the boat is almost entirely made of bamboo and runs on a single solar-powered electric motor. “There is no reason to use expensive and environmentally harmful materials when we have an almost unlimited and cheap supply of bamboo on our doorstep,” the expert emphasized.
Commercialization
According to Chris Duffy, the aim is for this vessel to become a simplified and environmentally friendly mass production system, replacing many gasoline-powered vessels of similar size and use.
“This way we could create a non-profit organization to allow vessels to be purchased at an extremely low interest rate, lower than the monthly cost of fuel, to pay for the increase,” he explained.
