Dutch solar technology firm Wattlab has successfully delivered a maritime solar energy system to Vertom, a company operating globally in shipping, trading, and maritime services.
The innovative system was installed on the 'MV Vertom Tula', a 7,280 dwt diesel-electric multipurpose cargo vessel, signifying a major step forward for sustainable shipping technologies.
The installation of 44 Solar Flatracks aboard the vessel will contribute to a 20% reduction in the onboard systems' energy consumption, representing a significant technical achievement.
Vertom's diverse maritime operations
Operating an extensive fleet that comprises over 100 ships ranging from 1,500 to 12,000 DWT, Vertom is a prominent entity in the maritime industry. Besides Shipping & Trading, Vertom's services include Port Agencies & Freight Forwarding, Maritime Services, Tanker Chartering, and Liner Services.
Noted for its commitment to sustainability in Short Sea Shipping, the company collaborated with Wattlab on two pilot projects prior to incorporating the solar solution into this new vessel build.
Quick and efficient installation
The Solar Flatracks were produced and assembled at Wattlab's recently established facilities
The Solar Flatracks were produced and assembled at Wattlab's recently established facilities in Rotterdam and were installed within a day at the Port of Harlingen.
Explaining the ease of installation, Bo Salet, co-founder and CEO of Wattlab, highlighted that using container twist lock fittings allows for rapid setup.
He stated, “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.”
Positive feedback and results
Thomas van Meerkerk, Vertom's Business Development Manager, shared positive outcomes from the trials, highlighting the system's performance even under challenging coastal shipping conditions.
He noted, “Based on the results of our own and TNO’s research in the past months, we consider Wattlab’s Solar Flatrack an effective option for reducing GHG and pollutant emissions.” The ease of maintenance and no salt crust formation were cited as key benefits observed during the trial phase.
Industry recognition and future potential
The innovation has been validated by TNO, a respected Dutch research organisation
The innovation has been validated by TNO, a respected Dutch research organisation, confirming its efficacy in reducing CO2 emissions and projecting the system's ROI timeline.
The technology has also been recognised through nominations for the IBJ Awards for Environmental Protection and Bulk Ship of the Year.
Wattlab invites interested parties to their new facilities in Rotterdam for a closer look or during the Europort event.
Pioneering Maritime Decarbonisation
The full-scale operational deployment of Wattlab's solar system on the 'MV Vertom Tula' underscores a crucial advancement in reducing carbon emissions in maritime operations.
With new regulations such as FuelEU Maritime and EU ETS on the horizon, Wattlab's solar technology provides a scalable solution for enhancing the energy profile of coastal and short sea vessels, potentially transforming the industry's approach to energy management.
Dutch maritime solar innovator Wattlab has delivered a seaworthy solar energy system for globally operating shipping, trading, and maritime services company Vertom. The recently delivered ‘MV Vertom Tula’ is a 7,280 dwt diesel-electric multipurpose cargo vessel.
The solar system represents a major technical milestone and a step forward for sustainable shipping. Wattlab has delivered and installed 44 Solar Flatracks that will provide power to onboard systems, reducing 20% of the hotel load.
Fleet of over 100 vessels
Vertom operates a fleet of over 100 vessels, ranging from 1,500 to 12,000 DWT. In addition to Shipping & Trading, Vertom’s portfolio consists of Port Agencies & Freight Forwarding, Maritime Services, Tanker Chartering, and Liner Services.
The company has a strong track record in the Short Sea Shipping market, and aims to operate as sustainable as possible. To understand and test Wattlab’s new technology and benefits, Vertom executed two pilot projects with Wattlab before deciding to fully outfit this newbuild.
Fast installation
After production and assembly in September in Wattlab’s brand new production facilities in Rotterdam, the 44 Solar Flatracks were installed onboard within a day in the Port of Harlingen. Bo Salet, co-founder and CEO of Wattlab, explains that the Solar Flatracks can be installed in a minimum amount of time using container twist lock fittings:
“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.”
He continues: “We thank Vertom for their trust and the smooth collaboration in the past three years. Without them we could not have achieved this milestone; that goes both for the vessel itself as for the technology. We wish the Vertom Tula and its crew fair winds and following seas! In addition, we thank the EU’s Just Transition Fund (JTF), which co-financed this project.”
Happy crew
“During the pilots, the test results showed that the Solar Flatrack system performs well in the tough coastal shipping environment,” says Thomas van Meerkerk, Business Development Manager at Vertom.
“Based on the results of our own and TNO’s research in the past months, we consider Wattlab’s Solar Flatrack an effective option for reducing GHG and pollutant emissions. Of course, these things also depend on the conditions our vessels operate in, but it’s clear that the system can provide both a positive ROI and contribute to CO₂ reduction in shipping.”
Bo adds: “Another benefit is that the panels can stay on the hatch covers during loading and discharging operations. The crew was sceptical at first, fearing a lot of extra work. However, they soon learned that in practice, Solar Flatracks are easy to use and require minimal maintenance. For example, there’s no salt crust formation, because the water can drain freely from the panels.”
Validation and recognition
Dutch independent and globally acknowledged research organisation TNO has validated the CO2 emission reduction and ROI time of the system. Their report will be published shortly.
In recent weeks, Solar Flatrack has been nominated for the IBJ Awards, both for the Environmental Protection Award, and the Bulk Ship of the Year Award, together with Vertom.
Bo: “For those wanting to learn more, we welcome clients at our new production hall and office in the Port of Rotterdam. Also, you can meet us at Europort on 4-7 November, Hal 8 Booth 8201, where we will show our Solar Flatrack live for the first time.”
Scalable solar solutions for coastal vessels
Having a first full-scale system operational on a coaster marks an important step in the evolution of maritime decarbonisation strategies. With rising regulatory pressure (e.g. FuelEU Maritime, EU ETS) and volatile fuel prices, shipowners and operators are seeking ways to diversify their onboard energy mix.
Wattlab’s scalable solar solution now offers a practical and proven solution for coastal and short sea vessels.
This project sets the stage for wider adoption across the sector; delivering emission reductions, fuel savings, and energy resilience without compromising deck space or cargo flexibility.
