On the 20th of June, the MS Helios received its official inauguration in Düsseldorf. This 135 meter ship, commissioned by HGK Dry Bulk Shipping, features our innovative hatch covers with 312 integrated solar panels and is the first ever vessels to have this many solar panels on its Frisian hatch covers. Completed at De Gerlien van Tiem shipyard in Druten, the MS Helios marks a significant step forward in the sustainable development of the maritime industry.
26 Frisian hatch covers and 312 integrated solar panels
Blommaert equipped the MS Helios with 26 solar Frisian hatch covers which resulted in 312 integrated solar panels, generating an impressive total capacity of 117 kWp. This system can generate approximately 94.000 kWh annually. That is more than enough to meet nearly all the onboard power needs, excluding propulsion. This significant achievement underscores Blommaert’s engineering excellence and our commitment to reducing the maritime industry’s carbon footprint.
MS Helios
- 26 sliding hatch covers
- 312 integrated solar panels
- Total capacity of 117 kWp
- Annual capacity of 94.000 kWh
- Length of barge: 135m
Solar sliding hatch covers
The MS Helios, with its 312 panels, sets a new benchmark, far exceeding the previous record of 48 panels on a single inland shipping vessel. This achievement highlights Blommaert’s capacity for large-scale, high-impact solutions. Together with Wattlab, our trusted partner, this project marks a significant milestone in our partnership for our solar hatches.
Our hatch covers are engineered to thrive in diverse and demanding conditions, f.e. dusty cargo or heavy rain. A perfect match for this dry bulk goods ship, the hatch covers feature dust- and waterproof electrical components, complemented by dirt-repellent solar panel coatings for easy maintenance.
HGK Shipping
Inland waterway shipping is one of the most environmentally-friendly means of bulk goods transport. However, inland navigation vessels are often times still dependent on fossil fuels and/or wall power. HGK Shipping, Europe’s leading inland shipping company, has been at the forefront of implementing sustainable choices.
By installing solar hatch covers on MS Helios, the ship will no longer be dependent on shore power and will use about 10% less fuel thanks to the free solar energy. Doing so, HGK continues to improve sustainability in their inland waterway shipping activities.
Want to see the MS Helios yourself?
Interested in integrating solar panels onto your existing sliding hatch covers, or looking to make your shipping fleet more sustainable? Get in touch with our sales department for more information or enquiries.
