World’s First Marine Solar Power System Installed on a Long-Distance Cargo Ship
A Dutch company specializing in marine solar energy has made a major breakthrough in sustainable shipping by installing the world’s first full-scale solar power system on a long-distance cargo vessel. Developed by Rotterdam-based clean energy expert Wattlab, the system was mounted on the diesel-electric vessel MV Vertom Tula, which has a maximum cargo capacity of 7,280 tons and is operated by Vertom Group.
The new technology includes 44 Solar Flatrack arrays with a combined peak output of about 79 kilowatts. According to Wattlab, this is enough to cover approximately 20% of the vessel’s energy needs — including lighting, navigation, and air conditioning. Installation at the port of Harlingen took just one day thanks to the modular design. As a result, MV Vertom Tula became the first ocean-going cargo ship in the world equipped with a solar installation of this scale.
The solar panels, produced at Wattlab’s new facility, can be quickly installed or removed using standard container fittings. Before implementation, the company conducted two pilot projects over three years in coastal environments.
The project received co-financing from the European Union’s Just Transition Fund, which is part of the EU’s broader strategy to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Experts believe the technology could make coastal and short-sea shipping significantly more sustainable and eco-friendly.
