An electric ferry that will take passengers to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island uses a "solar sail'' covered in solar panels that collect energy from the sun and wind.

It is almost silent, emits no vibration vibration and emits no fumes, reducing water pollution and air emissions.

The solar/wind wing captures wind and solar power at computer controlled angles and folds down in high winds. Two diesel engines burning low sulfur fuel add power on high seas and act as a backup for 2 large batteries at the center of the boat that can power it for four hours. The three hull design minimizes wake to reduce coastal erosion.

Miss Statue of Liberty, manufactured by Solar Sailor, of Australia, will be able to reach a maximum speed of 13 knots and seat up to 600 passengers and should be in operation by the end of 2008.

Cool graphic about the operation from the New York Post