After two successful pilots with Dutch maritime solar innovator Wattlab in three years, Vertom chose to outfit its latest coaster with 79 kWp of installed solar power. It is the first seagoing vessel to do so.
The recently delivered MV Vertom Tula is a 7280-DWT diesel-electric multipurpose cargo vessel that is now fitted with a seaworthy solar energy system. Wattlab has delivered and installed 44 Solar Flatracks that will provide power to onboard systems, reducing twenty per cent of the hotel load. The project was co-financed by the EU’s Just Transition Fund (JTF).
Vertom operates a fleet of over 100 vessels, ranging from 1500 to 12,000 DWT. The company has a strong track record in the short sea shipping market, and aims to operate as sustainably as possible. To understand and test Wattlab’s new technology and benefits, Vertom executed two pilot projects with Wattlab before deciding to fully outfit this newbuild.
Also read: Wattlab unveils plug-and-play solar panels for seagoing ships
Fast installation
After production and assembly in September in Wattlab’s brand new production facilities in Rotterdam, the 44 Solar Flatracks were installed onboard within a day in the Port of Harlingen.
Bo Salet, co-founder and CEO of Wattlab, explains that the Solar Flatracks can be installed in a minimum amount of time using container twist lock fittings: ‘For shipowners, time is money, so speed and ease of use are important. Furthermore, we know that “space is money” too. Hence, should the panels need to be removed to make way for a special type of cargo, the crew can easily stack and store them all on the footprint of one 20ft container.’
Also read: Thecla Bodewes Shipyards delivers eighth vessel to Vertom
Positive ROI
‘During the pilots, the test results showed that the Solar Flatrack system performs well in the tough coastal shipping environment,’ says 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 (return on investment, Ed.) and contribute to CO2 reduction in shipping.’
Salet adds: ‘Another benefit is that the panels can stay on the hatch covers during loading and discharging operations. The crew was sceptical at first, fearing a lot of extra work. However, they soon learned that in practice, Solar Flatracks are easy to use and require minimal maintenance. For example, there’s no salt crust formation, because the water can drain freely from the panels.’
Also read: World’s first hybrid solar-powered inland vessel launched
TNO validation
Dutch independent research organisation TNO has validated the CO2 emission reduction and ROI time of the system. Their report will be published shortly.
In recent weeks, Solar Flatrack has been nominated for the IBJ Awards, both for the Environmental Protection Award, and the Bulk Ship of the Year Award, together with Vertom.
Solar Flatrack live at Europort
Salet: ‘For those wanting to learn more, you can meet us at Europort on 4-7 November, Hal 8 Booth 8201, where we will show our Solar Flatrack live for the first time.’
Having a first full-scale system operational on a coaster marks an important step in the evolution of maritime decarbonisation strategies. The scalable system can further diversify the onboard energy mix. In addition, this project sets the stage for wider adoption across the sector; delivering emission reductions, fuel savings, and energy resilience without compromising deck space or cargo flexibility.
Picture: Wattlab Solar Flatrack installed on board Vertom Tula (photos by Wattlab).
Also read: World record for solar panels on inland vessel Helios
