Wattlab proves viability and scalability of solar power for bulk carriers

Netherlands-based Wattlab has completed successful full-scale solar power trials of solar power installations on the 2025-built general cargo vessel, Vertom Tula. The technology firm now intends to scale its renewable power setup for deployment on board larger bulk carriers trading internationally.

So far, Wattlab’s Solar Flatracks can be installed on vessels up to and including supramax bulkers of about 60,000dwt. However, the company is now developing systems suitable for the panamax and capesize sectors.

Two pilot projects have now been completed. The system was tested first on the Vertom Anette, a 7,292dwt general cargo vessel built in 2024. The second project focused on the Vertom Tula, with 44 Solar Flatracks reducing hotel load by about 20%.

“With this step, we show that solar power at sea is no longer an experiment, but a working solution,” declared Bo Salet, Wattlab CEO and co-founder. “Through the two pilot projects, we learned a great deal about usability – both from a technical perspective and in terms of how easily the crew can operation the system.”

Wattlab estimates a return on investment of three-to-five years.