A new generation of small cargo vessel aims to make coastal shipping in the Pacific more efficient, sustainable and economic.
Designed along the lines of the Fijian drua, the double-hulled vessels will be built and trialled by the University of the South Pacific and the China Navigation Company.
China Navigation's Simon Bennett says the ancient sailing practices of Pacific Islanders have inspired them to develop the low carbon sea transport, which will reduce gas emissions by using wind and solar power, coupled with just small engines.
Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama aboard a drua - a Fijian ocean-going canoe with the leaders of two of the most climate-vulnerable Pacific nations - President Taneti Maamau of Kiribati and Prime Minister Enele Sopoaga of Tuvalu. Photo: Supplied
