Wattlab has proven that its Solar Flatrack system can provide a practical, scalable source of onboard energy, particularly for a vessel’s hotel load.
Following two pilot projects and a first full-scale installation on a coaster, the technology has demonstrated reliable performance at sea while contributing directly to fuel savings and emissions reductions.
Tested in collaboration with TNO and shipping company Vertom on the Vertom Anette, the system’s insights were applied to the Vertom Tula, where 44 Solar Flatracks now offset around 20 per cent of the vessel’s hotel load.
The project received co-financing from the European Union’s Just Transition Fund (JTF), part of the European Green Deal, aiming for climate neutrality by 2050.
Bo Salet, CEO and co-founder of Wattlab, stated: “With this step, we show that solar power at sea is no longer an experiment, but a working solution. Through the two pilot projects, we learned a great deal about usability, from technical operation to crew handling, and gained insights into seaworthiness. Based on this knowledge, we have significantly upgraded our Solar Flatrack system.”
Wattlab has designed the system to avoid disruption to day-to-day vessel operations, even when carrying deck cargo.
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Panels can remain in place during loading and unloading, be easily disconnected and stacked if required, and stored compactly within the footprint of a single 20-foot container, ensuring operational flexibility is fully maintained.
Currently, Wattlab can deploy Solar Flatrack systems on coasters and vessels up to the Supramax segment, particularly ships with foldable or stackable hatch covers.
Development is now underway to serve larger vessels, including Panamax and bigger bulk carriers.
Salet added: “Market interest is growing rapidly. We have already engaged with more than 200 international parties interested in applying Solar Flatracks across their fleets.”
By reducing fuel consumption, the system directly lowers CO2 emissions and improves key efficiency indicators such as CII and EEXI. It also supports compliance with European regulations, including FuelEU Maritime and the EU ETS, while reducing shipowners’ exposure to volatile fuel prices.
With an expected return on investment of three to five years, Wattlab positions Solar Flatracks as a financially viable solution for decarbonising both existing and new vessels.
For more information:
Wattlab – https://wattlab.nl/
