Wattlab and HGK Shipping team up for world’s first hybrid solar-powered inland shipping vessel

Dutch maritime solar innovator Wattlab has delivered a solar energy system for HGK Shipping’s inland shipping cargo vessel ‘Blue Marlin’. Representing a major technical milestone and step forward for sustainable inland shipping, the vessel’s 192 solar panels will provide power to both the onboard and propulsion systems, making the ‘Blue Marlin’ the first inland shipping vessel in the world capable of hybrid sailing with solar power.

HGK Shipping is a European inland waterway shipping company operating a fleet of 350 vessels. With annual freight figures in the region of 43 million tonnes, HGK Shipping is considered to be a leading player in European dry bulk, gas and chemical transport. Wattlab, which is also active in the seagoing shipping industry, brings broad maritime experience to this pioneering project.

Wattlab has worked previously with HGK Shipping. In Q2 2024, HGK’s 135-metre long dry cargo vessel ‘MS Helios’ made headlines for having the world’s largest solar panel installation on an inland shipping vessel. The ‘MS Helios’ is equipped with 312 solar panels.