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Australia is setting a great example for the world to follow as proponents of solar energy and reducing the emissions of pollutants in the air, which contribute to global warming. Sydney's harbor is one of the first to provide solar powered passenger ships, which the city initiated shortly after the start of the new millennium. The solar ferries rely on solar power and electricity to operate, which reduces the emissions of fossil fuel pollutants into the earth's atmosphere by half as much as conventionally operated ferries. The leading Australian manufacturer of solar ferries is Solar Sailor, which is based in Sydney, Australia.

The President of Solar Sailor, Robert J. Hawke was Prime Minister of Australia from 1983-1991. According to Solarsailor.com.au, he continues to develop relations with the governments of China, USA, Europe, and his native Australia as well as with high-level industry and financial institutions. Dr. Robert Dane is CEO of Solar Sailor. He conceived and patented the Solar Wing concept used on the ferries in 1996. He founded Solar Sailor Pty Ltd. and raised capital for research and development which led to the design and construction of the highly successful Marjorie K prototype. In 2001, Dane won the Australian Design of the Year Award and made SEDA Green Ambassador of Sustainable Energy in 2002. After joining forces with Hawke, Solar Sailor has made great strides in commercializing its hybrid electric powered vessels in the world market, in addition to selling its Flexicell solar panels.

Some countries which Solar Sailor has lobbied governments to purchase their vessels for public service include Hong Kong, Taiwan, USA - New York City and San Francisco, and China. Solar Sailor has recently incorporated a USA subsidiary, according to its website, SSUSA based in Los Angeles to accelerate their goal to negotiate for multiple commercial opportunities in the USA.

San Francisco, California is one of the first bays in the USA to invest in solar powered passenger ships transporting visitors to Alcatraz Island, a former prison now turned tourist attraction. According to MSNBC.com, two hybrid ferries designed by Solar Sailor will be the first vessels in the bay powered by harnessing the wind, sun and electricity to carry visitors to Alcatraz under a new 10-year contract between the National Park Service and Hornblower Cruises and Events. The contract was signed on May 9, 2006.

According to the press release, the new hybrid ferries will hold 600 passengers

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