NEW YORK, NY May 28, 2007 —A solar powered ferry is being planned by the Circle Line to carry tourists around Manhattan and to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

The hybrid ferry would actually combine solar, wind and diesel power. Circle Line President JB Meyer says he's just waiting for the National Park Service to approve the idea of having a hybrid ferry land at the tourist sites. The $8 million vessel would be built by Australia-based Solar Sailor, which has built a similar ferry for Sydney's harbor.

The design features a sail-like, solar-panel-covered wing that can be moved into the best position for catching the sun and wind. The vessel costs about $2 million more than traditional ferries, but uses 1/3 less fuel, saving hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. Also, it would emit only about half as many greenhouse gases than conventional ferries.