Manufacturers unveil first-of-its-kind cargo ship that
The ship, developed and launched by Dutch solar company Wattlab and German inland shipper HGK Shipping, debuted in July,
HGK Shipping, which operates a fleet of 350 vessels across Europe's waterways, has teamed up with Dutch maritime solar specialist Wattlab to deliver this innovative project. The Blue Marlin is now equipped with 192 solar panels designed to power both the vessel's onboard systems and, crucially, its high-voltage electric propulsion.
Solar technology, long viewed as limited to land-based or small-scale maritime uses, is proving its viability even on large inland cargo vessels. Wattlab, for example, has been developing scalable solar solutions not just for inland shipping but also for coastal and seagoing vessels.
Shipping companies are also exploring innovative designs, such as solar sails and solar-assisted propulsion, which leverage both wind and solar energy for optimal efficiency.
This is a notable evolution from HGK's previous solar-powered vessel, the MS Helios. While the Helios set a Guinness World Record in 2024 for having 312 solar panels, the most on any inland shipping vessel, its solar energy was limited to supplying low-voltage “hotel” functions such as lighting and climate control.
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