The new cruise has 48 square meters of solar panel. [en.expo2010.cn]

China's first solar energy mixed power cruise started its maiden voyage on the Huangpu River in Shanghai on June 5.

Shanghai Party Secretary Yu Zhengsheng attended a ceremony marking its maiden voyage.

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Funded by Suntech Power, the cruise was designed and built by China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation. Shanghai Guosheng Group will operate the cruise.

Solar panel on this cruise can optimize solar power use through tracking sunlight direction and choosing a best angle by adjusting to wind strength and wind direction.

The cruise can generate 17,841 kilowatt hours of electric power in one year saving 6.282 tons of coal and reducing 15.705 tons of carbon dioxide emission.

The cruise will serve Shanghai Corporate Joint Pavilion, said Shi Derong, president of Shanghai Guosheng Group.

This cruise can transport more than 150 passengers and will be put into use in July.

Visitors can then apply for a lucky draw for a free voyage through contacts listed on the pavilion's Website (www.expo2010scp.com). Each day, 20 luck visitors will be able to take a free ride.

During the maiden voyage ceremony, an agreement on building a solar energy production base was signed by Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informationization, Minhang District government and Suntech Power. With a total investment of 2.86billion yuan (US$ 418.74 million) from the Suntech,construction of the base will be completed next year in Minhang District.