# Solar Car Carriers Toyota Cargo Ships Go Green By Marissa Brassfield | Published 2008-09-04 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-car-carriers-toyota-cargo-ships-go-green References: [blog.wired](http://blog.wired.com/cars/2008/09/boatopia-toyota.html) & [reuters](http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssOilGasRefiningMarketing/idUST463620080826?sp=true) Most people who buy foreign cars don't think about how their cars get to their local dealership. They also probably don't consider that the average cargo ship burns 120 gallons per mile as it carries hybrids and other eco-friendly cars across oceans. [Toyota](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hydrogen-cartridges) is at the head of the pack, developing a cargo ship that will utilize [solar photovoltaic cells](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarpowered-race-vehicle) to help lessen its fuel load. **Implications** - Nippon Yusen is Japan’s largest shipping line and explains that the "solar assist will cut CO2 emissions by 1 to 2 percent per year." The first ever solar ship will set sail this December. Hopefully other companies will jump on the bandwagon and help support the environment. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 14% | Activity: 61% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Solar-powered Cargo Ships:** Developing cargo ships that utilize solar photovoltaic cells to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. - **Green Transportation:** Improving the environmental impact of vehicle transportation through innovative solutions like solar-powered cargo ships. - **Sustainable Shipping:** Promoting sustainability in the shipping industry by integrating solar technology into cargo ships. ### Where This Applies - **Automotive:** Reducing carbon footprint in automotive transportation by using solar-powered cargo ships for vehicle delivery. - **Shipping and Logistics:** Integrating solar technology in cargo ships to reduce fuel consumption and minimize environmental impact in the shipping industry. - **Renewable Energy:** Expanding the application of solar photovoltaic cells to power cargo ships and foster sustainable energy practices. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Solar Panel-Covered Boat Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ms-porrima-concept-boat.md) - [Solar-Powered Cargo Vans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-electric-van.md) - [Solar-Powered Refrigerated Shipping Trucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/birds-eye-shipping-trucks.md) - [Energy-Hauling Battery Tankers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/battery-tanker.md) - [Ammonia-Powered Ships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/novel-ship.md) - [Solar-Powered Electric Boats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarpowered-electric-boat.md) - [Battery-Packed Wind Farm Ships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/powerx.md) - [Sustainable Cold Shipping Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/carrier-transicold.md) - [Solar-Powered Private Catamarans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zen50.md)