A New Zealand built boat that runs exclusively on biodiesel will kick off an attempt to break the world speed record for circumventing the globe in a motorboat next year.
The 24-metre Earthrace, skippered by New Zealander Pete Bethune will set off from Spain in March and traverse the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans as well as the Panama and Suez canals.
Earthrace, which can submarine under big waves will try to break the current world record of 74 days, 20 hours and 58 minutes set by the Cable and Wireless Adventurer boat in 1998.
Bethune believes his trip can help promote biodiesel as a viable alternative to petroleum diesel.
Bethune's also made a symbolic gesture towards the project undergoing liposuction with two other volunteers which produced 10 litres of human fat.
That's enough to power the boat for 15 kilometres.