Wattlab has completed the first full-scale installation of its Solar Flatrack system on a seagoing vessel, equipping Vertom’s new 7,280 dwt diesel-electric coaster, MV Vertom Tula, with 79kWp of solar capacity. The system consists of 44 units that will provide power to onboard systems, designed to reduce 20% of the hotel load.
The installation follows two pilot projects carried out jointly by Wattlab and Vertom over the past three years. Vertom, which operates more than 100 vessels in the short-sea market, used the pilots to test the durability and performance of the solar technology in coastal operating conditions.
“During the pilots, the test results showed that the Solar Flatrack system performs well in the tough coastal shipping environment,” said Thomas van Meerkerk, business development manager at Vertom.
“Based on the results of our own and TNO’s research in the past months, we consider Wattlab’s Solar Flatrack an effective option for reducing GHG and pollutant emissions.
“Of course, these things also depend on the conditions our vessels operate in, but it’s clear that the system can provide both a positive ROI and contribute to CO₂ reduction in shipping.”
Fast installation and removable design
Wattlab produced and assembled the modules at its new facility in Rotterdam before installing them in one day in the Port of Harlingen. The system uses container twist-lock fittings, enabling rapid placement and removal.
“For shipowners, time is money, so speed and ease of use are important,” said Bo Salet, co-founder and CEO of Wattlab. “Should the panels need to be removed to make way for special cargo, the crew can easily stack and store them all on the footprint of one 20ft container.”
Salet said crews involved in the pilot projects initially anticipated additional maintenance, but found that drainage was sufficient to prevent salt crust formation.
Independent validation pending
TNO has validated the system’s CO2 emission reduction and ROI time of the system, with a full report expected to be published shortly. The project has also been shortlisted for two IBJ Awards categories: Environmental Protection and Bulk Ship of the Year, the latter together with Vertom.
Wattlab says the installation represents a step toward wider adoption of removable solar systems for coastal and short-sea vessels as operators respond to fuel-price volatility and EU regulations such as FuelEU Maritime and the ETS.
In related news, Berge Rederi zero-emission bulk carrier to feature solar energy system from Wattlab