HGK’s Blue Marlin Pioneers Solar Propulsion for Inland Vessels

In a breakthrough for sustainable inland shipping, Dutch maritime solar innovator Wattlab has delivered an advanced solar energy system for HGK Shipping’s new cargo vessel, Blue Marlin. The vessel is now the first inland shipping vessel globally capable of hybrid sailing using solar power for both onboard systems and propulsion.

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A Technical Milestone in Inland Shipping

The Blue Marlin features 192 solar panels installed by Wattlab. The panels supply power not only to the vessel’s low-voltage onboard systems but also directly to its high-voltage electric propulsion system - a first in inland waterway shipping.

“This is a technical milestone,” said David Kester, co-founder and COO of Wattlab. “The Blue Marlin’s solar panels connect directly to the propulsion network, making HGK Shipping the first company to operate an inland vessel that uses solar power for propulsion.”

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Pioneering Sustainability with HGK Shipping

HGK Shipping, one of Europe’s largest inland waterway shippers with a fleet of 350 vessels, transports approximately 43 million tonnes of freight annually. The Blue Marlin project continues HGK’s partnership with Wattlab, which previously saw the successful launch of the MS Helios which is claimed to be the world’s largest solar-powered inland vessel, equipped with 312 panels.

However, unlike the MS Helios, where solar power is limited to hotel loads, the Blue Marlin integrates solar energy directly into its propulsion system, elevating its environmental performance.

Smarter Energy Management and Peak Shaving

Delivering up to 35 kilowatts, the Blue Marlin’s solar system works alongside four diesel generators powering its electric propulsion. This hybrid setup enables 'peak shaving,' where solar power and batteries help avoid the need for additional generator use during high-demand periods.

“The automated energy management system distributes power efficiently, reducing fuel consumption and emissions,” Wattlab noted in a press release. In optimal conditions, such as when lightly loaded and traveling downstream, the Blue Marlin may even sail solely on solar power for limited periods.

Faster Installation, Broader Impact

The vessel’s solar system was installed at the De Gerlien van Tiem shipyard, with collaboration from Blommaert Aluminium and Van Tiem Electro. Thanks to an optimized process, the complete installation and commissioning took just over a week.

For shipowners considering retrofits, Wattlab estimates that downtime would not exceed one week, making solar hybridization both practical and economically viable.

“This achievement contributes to making shipping, already a low-emission mode of transport, even more sustainable,” said Tim Gödde, Director of Ship Management, HGK Ship Management Lux Sàrl.

With applications extending to coastal and seagoing vessels, Wattlab’s innovations signal a broader shift towards cleaner maritime transport worldwide.