"Insects evolved wings initially as solar collectors then used them to fly. So why not evolve wings onto boats as solar collectors & use them to sail?"
- Dr Robert Dane, CEO, Solar Sailor

This initial dream has become Solar Sailor, a new way to move on the water & a revolution in marine travel.

Since winning the Australian Design of the Year Award in 2001, SSHL headed by Chairman Hon. Bob Hawke, has been successfully commercialising its hybrid electric power systems in the world market as well as selling its Flexicell solar panels.

In June 2005, SSHL's US subsidiary UOV LLC (uovehicles.com) based in Virginia received a Phase 1 US Navy grant for the development of its patented unmanned ocean vehicles (UOV’s). The automated and networked UOV’s will be used for military and coast guard purposes, and have commercial and oceanographic applications including tsunami early warning systems.

SSHL now has contracts with Taiwan and another under negotiation with Qingdao Shipyard in China; agents across Asia, Europe and the USA. Contracts are pending in Australia and India as well as many other "works in progress" on the world stage.

The Sydney Solar Sailor continues to operate successfully in a very competitive market. In 2002/3 SSHL signed a further 3yr plus 3yr lease with Captain Cook cruises.

The media coverage of the hybrid ferry and the technology has been world-wide including Beyond 2000, National Geographic, BBC Tomorrow's World and CNN as well as press and radio.

In 2002, Solar Sailor was recognized for its environmental leadership, Dr Robert Dane being made SEDA Green Ambassador of Sustainable Energy.

BBC's Tomorrow's World described SSHL's technology as "possibly the greatest evolution in boats since the advent of steam." Solar Sailor's intention is to take this technology to the world – green ferries for blue highways. The technology is not just applicable to environmentally sensitive waterways; all marine transport where constant high speed operations are not required, should be using this technology. When high speeds are required, a generator is used to power the electric drive direct, although fuel is being used, it is being used far more efficiently. The technology benefits both passengers and the environment – low noise, fumes, vibration, wash, air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and no water pollution.

In designing new technology, there has to be a convincing balance between commerciality and environmental benefits when the economics of the bottom line is generally more important to operators than ecological issues. The key challenge in marketing to a traditional industry is building their awareness of the long term benefits both to the hip pocket and to the planet: lower operating costs, improved reliability and technology that exceeds all existing and proposed environmental regulations.