The world's largest solar-powered boat arrived yesterday on its first Australian stopover in Brisbane. PlanetSolar's Turanor has been touring the world's cities in an effort to become the first solar-powered vehicle to circle the globe. It has already travelled 15,000 nautical miles and is already half way done with its journey.

According to the Daily Mail the Turanor, the name that is based on JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings and means 'The Power of the Sun' docked in Brisbane's Riverside Centre just after noon. The vessel, looking more like a science-fiction author's brainchild more than its fantasy namesake, cost 16 million dollars and has 8000 solar panels covering 540 square meters.

The boat designed by Swiss businessman Raphael Domjan. The solar panels power the two main electric motors in each hull. The batteries can run without recharging for three days at 7.5 knots. The entire boat runs on solar power except for the galley's gas-fired stove. The crew has confirmed that the boat could run on solar power alone and could cover more than 200km a day without the engine or sails. The design of the boat's hull allows the ship to reach speeds of up to fourteen knots. Although the hull was thoroughly tested in wind tunnels, the ship still ran into some difficulty in high winds. The ship had a difficult time with the tough conditions off the coast when the boat ran into 40 knot winds.

Turanor began its long trek around the globe last year on September 27, 2010 in Monaco. The voyage aims to showcase the viability of solar energy for use in transport. Since its voyage began the ship has already broken the record of fastest crossing of the Atlantic Ocean by a solar powered boat and longest distance covered by a solar electric device.

The 31m long boat will next dock in Cairns. After it completes the around the world trip the Turanor will retire as a luxury yacht.