Royal Caribbean Cruises LTD. and BAM Solar Power of Miami partners to provide green electricity for cruise vacationers

When the world’s largest cruise ship departs on its maiden voyage from Ft. Lauderdale on December 1, 2009, passengers aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas can take comfort in knowing that their vacation is powered in part by guilt-free energy from the sun.

Royal Caribbean’s commitment to the environment drove the company to design the largest and yet most energy efficient cruise ship the world has ever seen. The Oasis of the Seas was built with as many environmentally conscious technologies as possible. At the top of the list – and at the top of the ship – are over 550 solar panels that generate the power needed on the Royal Promenade–one of the ship’s seven neighborhoods featuring eight retail outlets, nine restaurants and bars, a photo gallery, and men’s salon. BAM Solar Power, a Miami-based solar design and installation company installed the panels.

‘This demonstrates Royal Caribbean’s commitment to environmental protection and the company’s forward-thinking approach to reducing their consumption of fossil fuels,’ said Andrew Rasken, President of BAM Solar Power. ‘For a ship whose daily energy demands rival that of the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport, the decision to transform over 30,000 square feet of the ship’s top deck into a mini power plant was simple. While much attention is given to the ship’s industry leading advancements – including a ‘Central Park’ and even an outdoor AquaTheatre – Royal Caribbean has shown that luxury and the environment do not have to be at odds and that ‘going green’ makes economic sense,’ said Rasken. ‘If you can meet a portion of your energy needs at a predictable upfront cost, that is very good for the company’s bottom line. It also adds a new dimension of comfort for the customers, knowing that their vacation on the Oasis of the Seas has a reduced impact on the environment.’

Based in Miami, Rasken founded BAM Solar Power two years ago to provide an array of cost-saving, sustainable energy solutions for commercial properties. In starting the company, he meshed his entrepreneurial skills with a personal passion to see the U.S. become less dependent on foreign energy sources. Rasken believes the Oasis of the Seas project will provide a big boost for his growing company.

‘We are honored that a company like Royal Caribbean had the trust and confidence in us to help them turn the world’s largest cruise ship into the world’s most energy efficient cruise ship,’ said Rasken. ‘To be part of history is quite thrilling. This project will be great to show off our capabilities to the rest of the world.’

About BAM Solar Power

BAM Solar Power is an emerging company with experience in the design and installation of commercial solar power systems. BAM uses the latest solar photovoltaic technologies as well as high efficiency LED lighting to deliver cost effective and high-value energy solutions. With its home offices in Miami and distribution center in Jacksonville, Florida, BAM works with clients to complete projects throughout the world.

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Source: PR Newswire

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