- Dutch solar innovator Wattlab has equipped HGK Shipping’s cargo vessel Blue Marlin with a 192-panel solar energy system.
- The installation makes Blue Marlin the world’s first inland shipping vessel capable of hybrid sailing with solar power.
- Unlike HGK’s Helios, which used solar solely for onboard systems, Blue Marlin’s system contributes directly to high-voltage electric propulsion.
Dutch maritime solar technology company Wattlab has delivered a pioneering solar energy system for HGK Shipping’s inland cargo vessel Blue Marlin. The vessel is now equipped with 192 solar panels that generate power for both onboard systems and propulsion, making it the first inland ship worldwide capable of hybrid sailing with solar power, according to Ships Monthly.
HGK Shipping’s Leadership in Green Innovation
HGK Shipping, a major player in European inland waterway transport with a fleet of 350 vessels and annual freight volumes of around 43 million tonnes, has been expanding its focus on sustainable technologies. The company has already gained industry attention with earlier solar-powered initiatives, including the MS Helios, which entered the Guinness Book of Records in 2024 for hosting the largest solar installation on an inland shipping vessel.
From Helios to Blue Marlin: A Step Forward
While the MS Helios featured 312 solar panels that powered only low-voltage onboard systems, Blue Marlin represents a major step forward. Its solar array is fully integrated into the vessel’s energy architecture, capable of directly supporting high-voltage propulsion alongside hotel loads. This advancement positions Blue Marlin as a technical milestone in maritime sustainability and a model for future inland shipping projects.
Wattlab’s Expanding Maritime Role
Wattlab, active in both inland and seagoing shipping markets, has once again partnered with HGK Shipping to deliver an innovative clean energy solution. The collaboration highlights the growing role of solar power in advancing greener operations across the European shipping sector.
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Source: Ships Monthly
