Dutch firm installs first full-scale solar system on seagoing ship

Dutch clean energy company Wattlab has installed the world’s first full-scale solar energy system on a seagoing cargo vessel, marking a significant advancement in sustainable shipping. The system was fitted on the 7,280 dwt diesel-electric cargo ship MV Vertom Tula, owned by Vertom Group, at the Port of Harlingen. The installation, completed in a single day due to the modular design, includes 44 Solar Flatracks delivering about 79 kWp of solar power—enough to cover roughly 20% of the ship’s hotel load, which powers onboard systems like lighting, navigation, and air conditioning. The Solar Flatracks are designed for quick installation and removal using standard container fittings, allowing flexibility for cargo operations. Tested over three years in harsh coastal conditions and validated by the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), the system demonstrated reliable power generation and structural integrity. The project, co-financed by the European Union’s Just Transition Fund, aims to reduce