Resort links with the most environmentally friendly boat in the world

A focus on the environment has prompted an eco-friendly resort to link with the world's first vessel powered solely by renewables using solar, wind and hydrogen energy.

The Maldives resort LUX South Ari Atoll is known for a passion for sustainable travel and development.

It is the main partner of the the Blue Odyssey sailing project MS Porrima - the world's first vessel powered solely on renewables.

Sailing under the Swiss flag, Porrima has just set sail from Dubai to the Maldives as part of its circumnavigation of the globe and will end its ambassadorship voyage at the opening of Osaka World Expo in 2025.

The 36-meter-long vessel has 515 sqm of solar panels on board, capable of propelling the boat.

Its excess energy also converts seawater to hydrogen. 

Within the Blue Odyssey project, Porrima has already crossed every major ocean twice, with the main purpose of inspiring entrepreneurs and companies to take on planet-friendly initiatives and the best of technology to create an impact.

On the second week of July, LUX South Ari Atoll will host the boat and its crew on the island of Dhidhoofinolhu.

The resort says its objective is to help the Maldives become one of the pioneers of the hydrogen economy.

“We are delighted to be the key partner of Porrima's Blue Voyage, where this partnership reinforces our group's strategic focus on sustainable development and sharing pioneering breakthrough concepts of zero-emissions facilities that operate within natural boundaries," resort general manager Patrice Aira said.

"In addition to utilising solar energy at our resort, the support of this project is our way of caring for the ocean and the planet, especially in the Maldives where we are located.”

The boat creators are bullish.

“This is a revolution; this is a milestone for the world,” says Professor Gunter Pauli, founder of The Blue Economy and owner of Porrima.

“We want to share how Porrima generates more than enough power and uses this surplus energy to clean the ocean from nanoplastic. We want to set new global standards rather than building museum pieces.”