While conventional shipping chugs along belching diesel fumes into the atmosphere, Europe has just launched something groundbreaking. The Blue Marlin, Europe’s first inland cargo vessel powered by solar energy, is now cruising waterways with 192 solar panels built right into its hatch covers. Pretty slick for a 135-meter beast that can haul up to 3,110 tonnes when coupled with a push barge.
This isn’t your hippie uncle’s solar experiment. The Blue Marlin actually uses solar power for propulsion—not just to keep the coffee maker running. The system, developed by Dutch firm Wattlab, supports high-voltage propulsion, a massive leap beyond earlier vessels that only used sun power for low-voltage systems. When conditions are right—think sunny days going downstream with light cargo—this ship can actually sail on sunshine alone. No diesel. Zero emissions. Imagine that.
HGK Shipping, with its fleet of 350 vessels, partnered with Wattlab to make this happen. They built the hull in Romania, kitted it out in the Netherlands, and now it calls Cologne, Germany home. The vessel cruises German canals with a draft of just 1.1 meters, making it perfect for inland waterways. This innovative vessel represents part of the surging clean energy jobs that grew by 4.9% in 2023 across the renewable sector. The impressive solar array generates up to 37,500 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually under optimal conditions.
German authorities didn’t just rubber-stamp this innovation, either. After rigorous trials, the General Directorate of Waterways and Shipping gave the green light for navigation, including remote-controlled operation between Salzgitter and Friedrichsfeld. Yes, this solar ship can be driven remotely. Welcome to the future.
The hybrid setup combines solar with diesel-electric engines that can also run on future fuels. In port, it potentially operates emission-free on stored solar energy. HGK’s previous attempt, MS Helios, set records with 312 panels but couldn’t power the propulsion system directly. Similar to the innovative Aquarius Eco Ship concept, the Blue Marlin represents a significant step toward emissions-free port operations while anchored or docked.
The Blue Marlin isn’t just a tech demo—it’s hauling actual cargo, mainly bulk materials and steel for German industry. Solar-powered shipping is no longer science fiction. It’s here, it works, and it’s changing the game.
References
- https://maritime-executive.com/article/first-inland-cargo-vessel-launched-capable-of-sailing-with-solar-power
- https://www.ecomarinepower.com/en/aquarius-eco-ship
- https://www.marineinsight.com/shipping-news/blue-marlin-becomes-worlds-first-solar-powered-inland-cargo-vessel/
- https://www.tomorrowsworldtoday.com/energy/worlds-1st-sun-powered-inland-shipping-vessel-has-192-solar-panels/
- https://www.ecomarinepower.com/en/rigid-sails-and-solar-power-for-ships
