Wattlab to equip world's largest battery-powered bulker with solar energy system

Dutch maritime solar innovator Wattlab has secured a contract with Norwegian shipping company Berge Rederi to install its onboard solar energy system on what is expected to be the world’s largest battery-powered bulk carrier.

Under the contract, Wattlab will outfit Berge Rederi’s BRF Froan with the 96 Solar Flatracks, providing the vessel with a solar energy system producing 172,8 kWp.

The vessel is currently under construction and is scheduled to sail to Norway next summer. At a stopover in Flushing, the Netherlands, Wattlab will install the 96 Solar Flatracks in one day. Production will start in May at the company’s new production facility in the port of Rotterdam.

Once delivered, BRF Froan will transport marble from Brønnøy and Visnes to a production plant in Elnesvågen.

In addition to Wattlab’s solar system, Berge Rederi’s newbuild will feature two 24m x 4m rotor sails, saving an average of 339 kW per voyage.