The freighter MV Vertom Tula has been fitted with a solar power system by Dutch company Wattlab. A total of 79 kWp of solar panels were installed.
MV Vertom Tula is a freighter due for delivery in July 2025. The 7,280 dwt deadweight vessel is equipped with a diesel-electric engine. It is owned by the Vertom company, based in Rhoon, the Netherlands. The company specialises in marine transport services and has a fleet of more than 100 vessels.
44 Solar Flatracks
The ship has been fitted with 44 Solar Flatracks by Wattlab, which provide energy to systems on board the vessel. The panels are expected to take up a total of 20 per cent of the hotel load. This should reduce overall energy consumption and emissions by 2 to 4 per cent.
Solar Flatracks are specifically targeted for use on board ships. With these, Wattlab aims to use unused deck space to generate sustainable energy and reduce energy costs of ships.
Four independent groups
The 77 kWp installation is divided is four independent groups, connected directly to the 400V AC system on board. The ship does not use batteries. A management system ensures that the groups are dynamically switched on or off based on the current energy demand on board. The management system also provides real-time access to measurement data and communicates with the alarm, monitoring and management system (AMCS) via Modbus.
The payback period of the system varies. Wattlab reports that the system pays back 16 to 25% of the total investment per year. The total payback time depends, among other things, on the number of Solar Flatracks installed, the time the ship spends at sea and in port as well as the efficiency of the systems used. On average, the payback period is three to five years, according to the company.
Installed using twistlocks
Solar Flatracks were produced by Wattlab at its new production facility in Rotterdam. The installation took place in the port of Harlingen. Bo Salet, co-founder and CEO of Wattlab reports that the system can be installed quickly thanks to the use of container locks, also known as twistlocks.
"For shipowners, time is money, so speed and ease of use are essential. Moreover, we know that 'space is also money'. If the panels do need to be removed to make way for a special type of cargo, the crew can easily stack and store them within the dimensions of one 20-foot container," says Salet.
Two pilot projects carried out
Solar Flatracks have been tested by Vertom during two pilot projects with Wattlab over the past three years. MV Vertom Tula is the first seafaring vessel to be equipped with the system.
"During the trials, the test results showed that the Solar Flatrack system performs well in the harsh conditions of coastal shipping," says Thomas van Meerkerk, Business Development Manager at Vertom. "Based on the results of our own research and that of TNO in recent months, we consider Wattlab's Solar Flatrack an effective option to reduce greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions. Of course, this also depends on the conditions in which our ships operate, but it is clear that the system can provide both a positive return on investment (ROI) and contribute to CO₂ reduction in shipping."
Salet added: "An additional advantage is that the panels can remain on the hatch covers during loading and unloading operations. Crews were initially sceptical and feared a lot of extra work. In practice, however, Solar Flatracks proved easy to use and require minimal maintenance. For example, no salt crust forms, as water can run freely off the panels."
Image: Wattlab
