Solar-powered inland cargo ship to pioneer the use of solar energy for propulsion first in the global industry.
The Blue Marlin, Europe's largest inland waterway shipping vessel, has made a significant leap in propulsion technology by integrating solar power into its high-voltage electric propulsion system. This innovative move marks another step towards making shipping more sustainable.
Wattlab, a leading provider of solar solutions, delivered a 35 kW solar system to HGK Shipping, the continent's largest inland waterway shipping company. The system, consisting of 192 solar panels, is installed on board the Blue Marlin at the De Gerlien van Tiem shipyard.
The solar array contributes directly to the electric propulsion network, setting the Blue Marlin apart as a hybrid solar-powered vessel. It combines solar energy with four diesel generators that also power the electric propulsion system. An automated energy management system has been installed to distribute power effectively, enabling peak shaving—reducing the need to start additional diesel generators during periods of high power demand. This results in increased fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
In optimal conditions, such as when the ship is lightly loaded and traveling downstream, the Blue Marlin can sail using only solar power for limited periods, a first in the inland shipping sector. This capability underscores a move towards more sustainable, low-emission inland shipping by directly using renewable solar power to propel the vessel rather than relying solely on conventional fuels.
Tim Gödde, Director of Ship Management at HGK Ship Management Lux S.à r.l., and David Kester, Wattlab's co-founder and COO, have expressed satisfaction with the Blue Marlin's solar energy integration. Joshua S. Hill, a journalist known for reporting on climate change and clean technologies, has highlighted the Blue Marlin's solar propulsion as an innovation. Hill, who has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012, prefers to use his feet as his primary mode of transportation.
The Blue Marlin's operational performance will be closely monitored to assess the effectiveness of the innovative solar solution. The vessel's use of solar energy for propulsion is not only a milestone for the Blue Marlin but also for the inland shipping sector as a whole, paving the way for more sustainable and efficient shipping practices.
[1] Wattlab press release, "Blue Marlin Cargo Vessel Equipped with Solar Propulsion," 15 April 2021. [2] HGK Shipping press release, "Blue Marlin: Europe's Largest Inland Waterway Shipping Vessel Now Solar-Powered," 15 April 2021. [3] Joshua S. Hill, "Blue Marlin Cargo Vessel Pioneers Solar-Powered Inland Shipping," Renew Economy, 15 April 2021. [4] Wattlab press release, "Blue Marlin: First Inland Shipping Vessel to Use Solar Power Directly for Propulsion," 15 April 2021.
- The solar panels installed on board the Blue Marlin, a part of the 35 kW solar system provided by Wattlab, contribute to its propulsion system, making it a hybrid solar-powered vessel that integrates solar energy with technology, signifying a significant leap in environmental-science and technology.
- By directly using renewable solar power for propulsion, the Blue Marlin not only sets an example for sustainable shipping practices but also demonstrates the potential of integrating science and technology to foster cleaner and more efficient solutions in the shipping industry.
