The world’s first “sail-through” supermarket has been launched in Dubai. The specially built vessel, called an Aqua Pod, was designed so yacht crews, speedboats or personal watercraft can approach by water and buy from the hundreds of fresh foods, hot and cold snacks, and even cosmetics and medicines on board. Sponsored by the French national grocery chain Carrefour, the supermarket also has a tender that makes food deliveries to nearby yachts.
“It is a natural next step to cater to our customers with relevant products in a locale where they are not currently being served,” Miguel Povedano, COO of Carrefour UAE, told the national.ae.
The Aqua Pod was designed by Aquatic Architects Design Studio in Dubai. It is powered by rechargeable batteries. It has a special holding tank that sucks in floating garbage. The Aqua Pod uses only biodegradable paper bags and straws.
The company said it will operate three Aqua-Pod grocery stores offshore off three local beaches in Dubai.
