A refurbished Aquabus T 850 has been equipped to collect scientific data (sonar, data-logger) while serving as an educational showcase: the vessel—followed remotely by Swiss and Peruvian school pupils—will, among other tasks, measure the increase in photovoltaic cell efficiency between 429 m-high Lake Neuchâtel and 3,800 m-high Lake Titicaca.
Departing Neuchâtel in February 2025, PlanetSolar II crossed the Atlantic aboard a cargo ship before being hauled up to Lake Titicaca’s 3,800-metre altitude on a trailer. The launching and donation of the boat to the Binational Authority of Lake Titicaca was marked by a major ceremony attended by the Swiss Ambassador to Bolivia, Ms Maja Messmer Mokhtar, along with representatives of Peruvian and Bolivian ministries.
The PlanetSolar II mission, running through 2026 under oceanographer Xavier Lazzaro, is supported by the Foundation of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco. The Sovereign himself came aboard for a short trip on this solar taxi boat in late 2023 in Hauterive (NE).
The Swiss–Peruvian Chamber of Commerce and the company Soleol Suiza, a partner of the PlanetSolar Foundation, are also involved in the expedition.
Want to support PlanetSolar II? With a contribution of CHF 500, your name will be inscribed on the solar vessel and will sail with us on the world’s highest navigable lake!
