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The world's first ever cargo ship partly powered by solar energy has arrived at the eco-conscious Port of Long Beach this week. It is a first-of-a-kind green technology application on a car carrier and what owner Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line) says is the first step towards the goal of developing a zero-emission vessel.

The 200-metre Auriga Leader, which weighs approximately 60,000 tonnes was developed jointly by NYK Line and Nippon Oil Corp in an effort to reduce carbon dioxide emissions through the use of solar energy.

The vessel can carry up to 6,200 cars and is used to transport Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles from Toyota Motor Corporation factories in Japan to the Port of Long Beach.

The Auriga Leader's photovoltaic panels are part of a technology demonstration project by Toyota Motor Corporation, a customer of the Port of Long Beach, and NYK Line.

The car freighter is outfitted with 328 solar panels that can generate up to 40 kilowatts, decreasing demand on the ship's diesel-powered auxiliary engines for electricity thus cutting down pollution.

The energy provided by the panels, however, is miniscule compared to the vessel's overall consumption needs. They are currently capable of generating only 0.2 percent of the ship's engine propulsion requirements and up to 6.9 per cent of the electricity necessary for lighting and other general uses. However, company officials have said that they hope to increase this ratio in the future.

The solar panels made their debut at Kobe port in Japan last December. Wednesday was the Auriga Leader's first call at the Port of Long Beach.

"The Auriga Leader is a perfect example of how the maritime industry is voluntarily finding new and innovative ways to be responsible stewards of the environment," said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Richard D. Steinke.

"Our Port is a regional economic engine and in order to stay competitive, we must ensure that our growth is sustainable. That means minimizing the impact of shipping operations on the environment."