Tankers are essential in today's world, being the main way we get products and oil from continent to continent. Unfortunately, they use a ton of fuel to haul their cargo, driving up shipping costs for everyone. Now, the first partially-solar-powered cargo ship has launched in Japan.

Nippon Oil and Nippon Yuesen spent $1.68 million to install 328 solar panels on the top of a 656-foot, 60,000 ton ship that carries 6,400 cars across the ocean. Unfortunately, it only generates 40 kilowatts of power, which is 0.3% of the engine power and 7% of lighting and other systems. It's a start.

Deccan Herald, Via Engadget