Last week, Wattlab landed the IBJ Environmental Protection Award for its innovative Solar Flatrack, the world’s first modular solar power solution engineered specifically for seagoing cargo vessels. The scale-up’s maritime solar energy system has now also been independently validated by TNO.
The IBJ Awards recognised Wattlab’s contribution to deliver verified fuel savings, CO2 reduction, and a strong financial return to shipping companies.
The IBJ Awards is a longstanding event organised by International Bulk Journal, the medium that has reported about and commented on for the dry bulk industry for forty years.
Also read: First full-scale Wattlab Solar Flatrack on Vertom coaster
Verification for Solar Flatracks
The Solar Flatrack, which can be placed on hatches, allows vessels to generate free solar electricity at sea, reducing auxiliary fuel consumption by two to five per cent and lowering CO2 and other GHG emissions. The solution offers a strong return on investment, fast installation, high durability, and seamless integration into daily ship operations.
Dutch research organisation TNO conducted an independent study confirming system performance, energy yield, and financial return. Results show that the Solar Flatrack offers a reliable, cost-effective, and scalable pathway to decarbonisation for bulk carriers and short sea coasters.
Also read”Berge Rederi equips coaster with Wattlab Solar Flatracks
Measurable impact today
For Wattlab, a scale-up looking to outfit as many coasters as possible, this award comes at a good time.
‘We extend our sincere thanks to Vertom, whose support enabled both pilot installations and the full-scale system now operating aboard MV Vertom Tula,’ says Bo Salet, CEO at Wattlab. ‘We are equally grateful to TNO for validating our system and to our customers for the trust they place in us, such as Berge Rederi who awarded us with a contract for their BRF Froan just last week at Europort. We feel a bit overwhelmed by the strong interest from around the world; but that’s a good feeling!’
‘This award is a strong recognition of what is possible when innovation meets real operational needs,’ Salet continues. ‘The Solar Flatrack shows that decarbonising shipping doesn’t always require waiting for future fuels. Solar power can deliver measurable impact right now.’
Picture by Wattlab.
Also read: Wattlab unveils plug-and-play solar panels for seagoing ships
