Latest news with #Wattlab
Fox News
24-07-2025
- Business
- Fox News
World's first hybrid solar cargo ship launches in Germany
The world's first hybrid solar cargo ship has just launched in Germany, marking a major milestone for sustainable shipping. The Blue Marlin uses advanced solar technology not only to power its onboard systems but also to drive its main propulsion, setting a new standard for eco-friendly cargo transport. By combining solar panels with a diesel-electric system, this vessel is paving the way for cleaner, more efficient movement of goods along Germany's waterways. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my The Blue Marlin uses 192 solar panels, which can generate up to 35 kilowatts in ideal conditions. That's enough to charge over 1,400 smartphones at the same time. Wattlab designed the solar system to supply electricity directly to the ship's propulsion system. Unlike earlier vessels, the Blue Marlin uses solar energy for movement, not just for basic onboard functions. When conditions allow, the ship can run on solar power alone for short trips. For example, it can do this when traveling downstream with a light load. The Blue Marlin also relies on four diesel generators. This hybrid setup lets the vessel switch between solar and diesel-electric power as needed. As a result, the ship stays reliable in any weather. An automated energy management system controls how power is distributed. This system sends energy exactly where it is needed. It also reduces unnecessary fuel use, which helps the environment. In addition, the ship uses a technique called peak shaving. During high energy demand, it draws on solar and battery reserves instead of starting extra generators. This strategy lowers emissions and keeps the operation smooth. The Blue Marlin measures approximately 282 feet in length and 31 feet in width, with a shallow draft of just 3 feet 7 inches, making it well suited for Germany's canal network. Its hull was constructed in Romania and later outfitted with systems in the Netherlands. Today, the fully completed vessel operates out of Cologne, Germany. SEAFAR remote navigation technology is another feature; this system allows remote-controlled operation on select routes, improving safety and reducing the workload for the crew. Each year, the Blue Marlin's solar array can generate up to 37,500 kilowatt-hours of electricity. This output helps prevent about 79,000 pounds of CO₂ emissions annually. Thanks to its modular design, the ship can connect with push barges and carry up to 3,430 short tons of bulk goods efficiently. Its hybrid diesel-electric system is also designed to run on cleaner fuels in the future, making it adaptable as greener energy options become more available. The Blue Marlin is more than a technological showcase. By fully integrating solar power with intelligent hybrid systems, it proves that performance and environmental responsibility can work together. This vessel stands as a practical example of cleaner shipping solutions. It offers lessons and inspiration for the future of cargo transport around the world. What policies or incentives do you think might encourage more companies to invest in sustainable shipping solutions? Let us know by writing us at Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Sustainability Times
11-07-2025
- Business
- Sustainability Times
'This Solar Ship Is the Future of River Travel,' Declares Visionary Engineer as 192 Sun-Powered Panels Drive the World's First Inland Marvel
IN A NUTSHELL 🌞 The Blue Marlin is the first inland vessel to directly use solar power for propulsion, revolutionizing sustainable shipping. is the first inland vessel to directly use solar power for propulsion, revolutionizing sustainable shipping. 🤝 A collaboration between Wattlab and HGK Shipping led to the creation of this groundbreaking solar-powered vessel. and led to the creation of this groundbreaking solar-powered vessel. 🌿 The ship's innovative energy system is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 79,366 pounds annually. by up to 79,366 pounds annually. 🚢 Equipped with 192 solar panels, the Blue Marlin can generate up to 37,500 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year. The dawn of a new era in shipping has arrived with the introduction of the Blue Marlin, the first inland vessel capable of harnessing solar power for propulsion. This groundbreaking achievement is a testament to the promise of sustainable technology, offering a cleaner, more efficient alternative to traditional shipping methods. By directly integrating solar energy into its drivetrain, the Blue Marlin represents a significant step forward in reducing carbon emissions and advancing clean propulsion technology. Powering Progress through Partnership At the heart of the Blue Marlin's innovation is the collaboration between Dutch solar pioneer Wattlab and German shipping titan HGK Shipping. Measuring an impressive 282 feet in length, this vessel is specifically designed for shallow-water operations, thanks to its modest draft of just 3.61 feet. The Blue Marlin's construction is a triumph of engineering, featuring twin Veth rudder propellers, a bow thruster, and a modular design that allows it to connect with push barges, enabling it to handle cargo loads of up to 3,110 tons. Florian Bleikamp, managing director of HGK Dry Shipping, highlighted the significance of this partnership. He emphasized that the collaboration with Salzgitter AG has paved the way for innovative developments in inland shipping. According to Bleikamp, the Blue Marlin is a powerful symbol of what industry and logistics can achieve together, integrating emission-free solar technology, remote-controlled navigation, and resource-saving propulsion systems. 'We Built Internet at 60,000 Feet': This Flying Tech Marvel Is Reconnecting Disaster Zones Faster Than Ever Before Cleaner, Smarter Cargo Transport The Blue Marlin isn't just a vessel; it's a beacon of sustainability. Its automated energy management system ensures that power is distributed precisely where and when needed, maximizing efficiency and minimizing fuel consumption. This system is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 79,366 pounds annually. Fabian Gerdes, head of customer logistics at Salzgitter Flachstahl, underscored the vessel's role in supporting climate-friendly transport of steel products and bulk materials, aligning perfectly with the company's sustainability goals. Moreover, the Blue Marlin builds on the success of the MS Helios, another HGK vessel with Wattlab solar panels. While Helios uses solar energy for low-voltage onboard systems, the Blue Marlin takes it further with full propulsion integration, earning it the prestigious Gold Green Award for sustainable vessel design. 'Ferrari Goes Full Sci-Fi': This 100-Foot Racing Yacht Has No Engine and Moves Like Nothing You've Ever Seen A Technological Marvel The Blue Marlin features an array of 192 solar panels capable of generating up to 37,500 kilowatt-hours annually. This solar setup works in tandem with four diesel generators, enabling a technique known as 'peak shaving' to reduce power consumption during maximum demand periods. The vessel's hybrid sailing capability ensures a seamless transition between solar and diesel power, optimizing performance and reducing environmental impact. The vessel was expertly christened in Hamburg, marking a new chapter in inland shipping. It stands as a testament to the efficacy of technological innovation in addressing environmental challenges, demonstrating that shipping can be both efficient and eco-friendly. 'Carbon Transfer Achieved at Sea': Shanghai Stuns the World With First-Ever Ship-to-Ship CO2 Operation in Open Waters The Future of Inland Shipping The launch of the Blue Marlin represents a significant milestone in the decarbonization of inland waterway transport. By prioritizing sustainability, HGK Shipping and its partners are setting a new standard for the industry. The vessel's advanced features, including SEAFAR technology for remote-controlled navigation, highlight the potential for automation and clean energy to revolutionize shipping. As the world continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, the Blue Marlin offers a glimpse into a future where shipping is both effective and environmentally conscious. Its success may inspire other sectors to explore similar innovations, paving the way for a more sustainable future. The journey of the Blue Marlin is just beginning, and its impact on the shipping industry is yet to be fully realized. As we look to the future, one must ask: How will other industries follow in the footsteps of this pioneering venture to embrace sustainable innovation? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (26)
Zawya
07-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Netherlands: Wattlab launches SolarDeck, Plug-and-Play solar power for seagoing vessels
Wattlab, a Dutch specialist in maritime solar technology, has introduced its new SolarDeck system to the seagoing shipping market. SolarDeck features modular, deck-mounted solar panels that help reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions, with an estimated return on investment of 3–5 years. Installed on a seagoing general cargo vessel, it also offers substantial financial advantages under the Fuel EU Maritime and EU ETS regulations. Since its founding in 2017, Wattlab has focused on inland shipping with its Solar Flatrack system—modular, stackable panels with integrated inverters—used on over 25 vessels. Now, aiming to lower fuel costs and support maritime decarbonization, the company is moving into the seagoing sector with SolarDeck. 'At all times during the design of SolarDeck, we prioritised the shipowner's requirements. We know that 'time is money'. That's why the SolarDeck can be installed in a minimum amount of time using container twist lock fittings. It also does not impact normal loading and unloading procedures,' says Wattlab CEO Bo Salet. 'However, we also know – for cargo shipowners especially – that 'space is money'. In the event of a deck load such as offshore wind blades, the ship's crew can store the SolarDeck inside the volume of a 20-foot container, thus freeing up the deck for cargo.' Development and Testing Developed in collaboration with TNO (the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research) and international shipping firm Vertom, SolarDeck has undergone 18 months of testing aboard Vertom's 7,280dwt dry cargo vessel Anette. The project was co-financed by the EU's Just Transition Fund. The tests confirmed SolarDeck's durability and effectiveness in maritime conditions. 'The test results show that SolarDeck performs well in the tougher environment – in terms of salinity and rougher sea states – of coastal shipping. Because salt water can drain freely from the solar panels, there's no chance of a salt crust forming. As such, SolarDeck generates the expected power output levels,' Salet explains. 'Furthermore, the system is robust enough to withstand storms as well as the usual day-to-day activities on board a seagoing cargo ship – while staying safe at all times.' Impact and Savings On a 119-meter-long and 14-meter-wide vessel like Anette, SolarDeck is expected to cut 20 metric tons of fuel and 68 metric tons of CO₂ emissions annually. These reductions also improve EEXI and CII scores, and for larger ships, the benefits scale accordingly. 'We are excited to introduce SolarDeck to the seagoing shipping industry – to show shipowners what this system can mean to their operations,' Salet concludes. 'SolarDeck isn't just a green upgrade. With a return on investment of 3 to 5 years, it's a smart investment.' EU Support The SolarDeck pilot has been supported by the European Union's Just Transition Fund, part of the EU Green Deal's broader goal of reaching climate neutrality by 2050.
