A solar-powered catamaran in Spain’s Montes Obarenes Natural Park brings together low-impact mobility and environmental responsibility. Silent, emission-free and low-maintenance, made possible with technology from Fischer Panda. For tourism that stays, without leaving a trace. In the Spanish province of Burgos, the operators of a passenger catamaran asked themselves what remains when tourism moves on – and found an electric answer. From the very beginning, the objective was clear: to protect the fragile river ecosystem, meet legal requirements and ensure long-term functionality. Not as a compromise, but as a future-facing investment with purpose.

Technically viable, economically sound, socially relevant – and in harmony with the landscape
This project set out to prove that sustainable tourism can be technically feasible, economically viable and socially meaningful. Confidence in the system solution and the expertise of the partners played a decisive role. Supported by public funding, the implementation was both forward-looking and practical. The result is a daily operation that performs reliably, ecologically and economically. Each day, the solar-powered catamaran glides through the Montes Obarenes Natural Park in northern Spain, departing from Valle de Tobalina in the province of Burgos. A region known for its ecological diversity and rising popularity as a nature tourism destination. During summer, visitor numbers can reach twenty times the number of local residents. Hiking trails, climbing routes, gorges, medieval towns and rich biodiversity draw people from across the region. This catamaran was designed to address the rising influx of visitors without degrading the natural environment. Quiet, emission-free and wave-neutral, it creates a sustainable link between tourism and conservation. A new form of mobility that blends into the environment rather than disrupts it. And a model with potential far beyond this one location.

Water-cooled, low-maintenance and fully integrated – with a solar roof as energy source and shade provider
The motors are installed directly in the hull, housed in a double-walled, water-cooled aluminum casing with an integrated thrust bearing. No oil is required for cooling and there is no gearbox. A clear advantage in daily operation. Integration into the onboard network is handled via CAN bus. The result is a drive system that performs powerfully while staying in the background. Quiet, efficient and dependable. Forty solar panels mounted on the catamaran’s roof charge a 60 kWh battery bank from MG Energy. They do more than power the propulsion. They also shield guests from direct sun exposure. Thanks to the region’s high solar yield, the system consistently generates more energy than it consumes, even in peak summer. The vessel remains fully autonomous and operational all day long.

Designed as a complete system, implemented with partners – and a business model with ecological and economic foresight
The full system architecture was co-developed with Omega Grey. From Fischer Panda’s electric drives and battery integration to photovoltaic components, all elements were tailored to work seamlessly together. The components don’t operate in isolation but as a smart, integrated unit. ONE FISCHER PANDA stands for integrated systems, technical reliability and centralised responsibility. Not just in development, but also in long-term support. This system solution is transferable to many other use cases such as riverboats, passenger ferries or any vessel operating in ecologically sensitive regions. The vessel’s self-sufficient design saves not only emissions, but also operating costs. No fuel logistics. No grid connection. Minimal maintenance. The battery is charged via solar power, shore power is rarely needed. Public funding supported implementation, making this model particularly attractive for tourism regions ready to lead on sustainability rather than just demand it.