First Solar-Hybrid Inland Cargo Vessel Begins Operations

In a breakthrough for sustainable shipping, Dutch solar tech firm Wattlab and Germany’s HGK Shipping have launched the Blue Marlin – the first inland cargo vessel to use solar power directly for propulsion.

 

🚢 Equipped with 192 solar panels, the Blue Marlin can supply energy not only to onboard systems but also to its electric propulsion unit. Under ideal conditions, the panels can generate up to 35 kW, enough to partially drive the vessel without relying solely on diesel power.

 

🌊 This hybrid system operates alongside four diesel generators and features smart energy management software that distributes power efficiently across the vessel’s systems. This setup enables "peak shaving," reducing fuel use during energy surges and helping lower emissions. The vessel can even sail short distances using only solar energy – particularly when lightly loaded and traveling downstream. ☀️

 

The Blue Marlin follows HGK’s earlier project, the MS Helios, which made headlines in 2024 for having the largest solar array ever installed on an inland ship. However, unlike the Blue Marlin, the Helios was limited to powering low-voltage systems.

 

The launch of the Blue Marlin signals a new chapter in inland waterway transport, offering a cleaner and more energy-efficient alternative to conventional cargo shipping.

 

Picture: Wattlab