Wattlab Unveils Solar System for Sustainable Shipping
Dutch maritime innovator Wattlab has made significant strides in sustainable shipping by delivering a cutting-edge solar energy system to Vertom, a global leader in shipping and maritime services. The newly outfitted ‘MV Vertom Tula,’ a diesel-electric multipurpose cargo vessel, is now equipped with 44 Solar Flatracks, which are expected to reduce onboard energy consumption by 20%. This development marks a pivotal moment in the quest for greener maritime operations.
Fast Installation and Innovative Design
Wattlab’s Solar Flatracks were produced and assembled in Rotterdam and installed on the MV Vertom Tula in just one day at the Port of Harlingen. Bo Salet, co-founder and CEO of Wattlab, emphasized the efficiency of the installation process, noting that the Solar Flatracks utilize container twist lock fittings. This design allows for quick setup, which is crucial in the shipping industry where time is a valuable asset.
Salet explained, “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.” This flexibility is expected to enhance operational efficiency while maintaining the vessel’s cargo capacity.
The collaboration between Wattlab and Vertom has been ongoing for three years, during which Vertom conducted two pilot projects to evaluate the technology’s effectiveness. Salet expressed gratitude for Vertom’s trust and support, stating, “Without them, we could not have achieved this milestone; that goes both for the vessel itself as for the technology.”
Positive Impact on Emissions and Crew Experience
The Solar Flatrack system has shown promising results in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy efficiency. Thomas van Meerkerk, Business Development Manager at Vertom, highlighted the system’s performance during pilot tests, stating, “The Solar Flatrack system performs well in the tough coastal shipping environment.” He noted that the technology not only offers a positive return on investment but also contributes to significant CO₂ reductions.
Crew members initially expressed concerns about the additional workload associated with the new system. However, they quickly learned that the Solar Flatracks are user-friendly and require minimal maintenance. Salet reassured that the panels can remain on the hatch covers during loading and unloading operations, alleviating crew worries about extra tasks.
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The effectiveness of the Solar Flatrack system has been validated by TNO, a respected Dutch research organization, which will soon publish a report detailing the system’s CO₂ emission reductions and return on investment. Additionally, the Solar Flatrack has been nominated for the IBJ Awards in two categories: the Environmental Protection Award and the Bulk Ship of the Year Award.
As Wattlab continues to innovate, they invite clients to visit their new production facility in the Port of Rotterdam and will showcase the Solar Flatrack at the upcoming Europort event from November 4-7. This project not only represents a significant advancement in maritime decarbonization but also sets the stage for broader adoption of sustainable technologies across the shipping industry.
