Vertom operates a fleet of more than 100 vessels, ranging from 1,500 to 12,000 DWT. In addition to Shipping & Trading, Vertom’s portfolio covers Port Agencies & Freight Forwarding, Maritime Services, Tanker Chartering and Liner Services. The company has established itself in the short sea shipping market with a strong focus on sustainable operations. Before deciding to fully equip the newbuild, Vertom carried out two pilot projects with Wattlab to assess and validate the new technology.
Fast installation
All 44 Solar Flatracks were installed onboard at the Port of Harlingen in a single day, following production and assembly at Wattlab’s new Rotterdam facility in September. Bo Salet, co-founder and CEO of Wattlab, notes that Solar Flatracks can be installed quickly using container twist lock fittings: “For shipowners, time is money, so speed and ease of use are essential. We also recognise that space is valuable. If the panels need to be removed to accommodate special cargo, the crew can easily stack and store them all within the footprint of a single 20-foot container.”
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Happy crew
“During the pilot projects, test results showed that the Solar Flatrack system performs well in the challenging coastal shipping environment,” says Thomas van Meerkerk, Business Development Manager at Vertom. “Based on our own findings and TNO’s research in recent months, we consider Wattlab’s Solar Flatrack an effective option for reducing greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions. Of course, actual results depend on the conditions our vessels encounter, but it’s clear the system can deliver both a positive ROI and contribute to CO₂ reduction in shipping.”
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Bo adds: “Another benefit is that the panels can remain on the hatch covers during loading and unloading operations. The crew was initially sceptical, fearing extra work. However, they soon discovered that, in practice, Solar Flatracks are easy to use and require minimal maintenance. For example, there’s no salt crust formation, as water drains freely from the panels.”
Validation and recognition
Dutch independent research organisation TNO, recognised internationally, has validated the system’s CO₂ emission reductions and return on investment period. Their report is set for publication soon.Their report is set for publication soon.
Recently, Solar Flatrack was nominated for two IBJ Awards: the Environmental Protection Award and, together with Vertom, Bulk Ship of the Year.
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Bo: “For those interested in learning more, we welcome clients to our new production hall and office in the Port of Rotterdam. You can also meet us at Europort from 4 to 7 November, Hall 8, Booth 8201, where we will showcase Solar Flatrack live for the first time.”
Scalable solar solutions for coastal vessels
Deploying the first full-scale system on a coastal cargo ship marks a milestone in maritime decarbonisation. As regulatory pressure mounts, among others through measures like FuelEU Maritime and the EU ETS, and as fuel prices fluctuate, shipowners and operators are looking to diversify their onboard energy mix. Wattlab’s scalable solar system now offers a practical, proven solution for coastal and short sea vessels.
This project sets the stage for broader adoption across the sector, delivering emission cuts, fuel savings and enhanced energy resilience—without sacrificing deck space or cargo flexibility. (hcn)
