Wattlab Installs First Full-Scale Solar Flatrack System on Vertom’s Coaster MV Vertom Tula

Rotterdam,  30/10/ 2025 — Dutch maritime solar energy specialist Wattlab has completed the first full-scale installation of its Solar Flatrack system on the MV Vertom Tula, a 7,280 dwt diesel-electric multipurpose vessel operated by Vertom Group. The system marks a milestone in applying solar power to commercial coastal shipping and represents a step toward lower-emission maritime operations.

44 Solar Flatracks Installed to Power Onboard Systems

Wattlab installed 44 Solar Flatracks, delivering a total of 79 kWp of installed solar capacity. The system will supply up to 20% of the vessel’s hotel load, providing renewable energy for onboard systems and reducing overall fuel consumption.

The installation follows two pilot projects carried out jointly by Vertom and Wattlab over the past three years. After validating performance under real-world operating conditions, Vertom selected Wattlab’s solar technology for full-scale integration on its newest vessel.

Collaboration Between Vertom and Wattlab

Vertom operates a fleet of more than 100 vessels, ranging from 1,500 to 12,000 dwt, with business activities spanning shipping and trading, port agency, freight forwarding, maritime services, tanker chartering, and liner operations. The company has been exploring solutions to enhance operational efficiency and environmental performance across its short-sea fleet.

“During the pilots, the test results showed that the Solar Flatrack system performs well in the tough coastal shipping environment,” said Thomas van Meerkerk, Business Development Manager at Vertom. “Based on the results of our own and TNO’s research in the past months, we consider Wattlab’s Solar Flatrack an effective option for reducing GHG and pollutant emissions. Of course, these things also depend on the conditions our vessels operate in, but it’s clear that the system can provide both a positive ROI and contribute to CO₂ reduction in shipping.”

Fast and Flexible Installation

The Solar Flatracks were produced and assembled in Rotterdam and installed within a single day at the Port of Harlingen, using container twist lock fittings for ease of mounting and removal.

“For shipowners, time is money, so speed and ease of use are important,” said Bo Salet, Co-founder and CEO of Wattlab. “Furthermore, we know that ‘space is money’ too. Hence, should the panels need to be removed to make way for a special type of cargo, the crew can easily stack and store them all on the footprint of one 20ft container.”

He added: “We thank Vertom for their trust and the smooth collaboration in the past three years. Without them we could not have achieved this milestone; that goes both for the vessel itself as for the technology. We wish the Vertom Tula and its crew fair winds and following seas! In addition, we thank the EU’s Just Transition Fund (JTF), which co-financed this project.”

Crew Feedback and Technical Validation

According to Wattlab, crew members initially had concerns about operational impacts, but experience showed that the system requires minimal maintenance. “The crew was sceptical at first, fearing a lot of extra work. However, they soon learned that in practice, Solar Flatracks are easy to use and require minimal maintenance. For example, there’s no salt crust formation, because the water can drain freely from the panels,” Bo noted.

Independent research organisation TNO has validated the system’s CO₂ reduction potential and return-on-investment timeline, with a detailed report expected soon.

Recognition and Industry Outlook

The Solar Flatrack system has been nominated for the IBJ Awards in two categories — the Environmental Protection Award and Bulk Ship of the Year Award — jointly with Vertom.

Bo added: “For those wanting to learn more, we welcome clients at our new production hall and office in the Port of Rotterdam. Also, you can meet us at Europort 2025 from 4–7 November (Hall 8, Booth 8201), where we will show our Solar Flatrack live for the first time.”

Towards Scalable Solar Solutions for Short Sea Shipping

The MV Vertom Tula installation represents an important proof of concept for scalable solar solutions in coastal and short-sea shipping. With tightening environmental regulations such as FuelEU Maritime and the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), shipowners are increasingly seeking complementary energy systems to cut emissions and fuel costs.

Wattlab’s Solar Flatrack technology provides a modular, removable, and space-efficient solution for vessels seeking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining cargo flexibility. The system’s successful deployment signals growing momentum for renewable energy integration in maritime operations.