Wattlab and HGK Shipping have launched the world’s first inland solar hybrid vessel, the Blue Marlin, which uses a unique system of 192 solar panels to power both onboard systems and propulsion. This innovative ship enhances fuel efficiency and reduces emissions, showcasing a significant leap in the maritime industry’s efforts towards sustainability. The Blue Marlin’s advanced solar technology allows it to operate more efficiently alongside its diesel generators, making it a groundbreaking development in inland shipping.
HGK Shipping, a notable player in European inland waterway shipping with a fleet of 350 vessels and annual freight figures around 43 million tonnes, has partnered with Wattlab, experienced in maritime technology, to create the Blue Marlin. This vessel follows HGK’s MS Helios, which holds a Guinness World Record for the largest solar installation on an inland vessel, but unlike the Helios, the Blue Marlin integrates solar power directly into its high-voltage propulsion system. With its 192 solar panels, the Blue Marlin delivers up to 35 kilowatts in optimal conditions while working alongside four diesel generators, allowing for efficient energy management.
David Kester, Wattlab’s co-founder and COO, expressed the importance of this technical development, stating that BGK Shipping is the first inland shipping company to harness solar power for propulsion directly. The innovative system can prevent the activation of additional generators during high-demand periods through a method known as ‘peak shaving’, reducing overall fuel consumption. Kester forecasts that during light load conditions, the vessel may be capable of operating solely on solar energy for brief periods, marking a significant advancement for the inland shipping sector.
Tim Gödde, Director Ship Management at HGK, highlighted the significance of the Blue Marlin as a contribution to sustainable transportation within the already low-emission shipping industry. He noted that the vessel’s technological advancement builds upon the progress made with the Helios. The installation of solar panels on the Blue Marlin occurred at De Gerlien van Tiem shipyard, with collaboration from Blommaert Aluminium and Van Tiem Electro, showcasing an optimized process that allows for swift deployment—approximately one week for installation followed by days for commissioning.
The Blue Marlin represents not just a technological achievement but also reflects broader trends in maritime decarbonization as shipping companies adapt to increasing regulatory pressures and fluctuating fuel costs. Wattlab’s scalable solar solutions are being tailored not only for inland vessels but also for coastal and seagoing ships, further advancing the maritime industry’s shift towards sustainable practices.