Netherlands and Germany Launch World’s First Hybrid Solar-Powered Inland Cargo Vessel

Wattlab, a Dutch solar technology specialist, and HGK Shipping, a major German inland shipping operator, have introduced the world’s first inland cargo vessel equipped with solar-powered propulsion.

The vessel, named Blue Marlin, marks a major advancement in sustainable marine transport. Unlike previous ships that used solar only for auxiliary systems, Blue Marlin integrates solar energy into its main propulsion system, setting a new benchmark for hybrid vessel technology.

Fitted with 192 solar panels, the ship can generate up to 35 kW under ideal conditions—enough to power both the vessel’s onboard "hotel load" systems and its electric drive unit. This makes it the first inland cargo vessel in the world to utilize solar power at this scale for propulsion.

The solar setup is paired with four diesel generators, allowing for peak shaving—a process that reduces the need to activate additional generators during periods of high energy demand. This design significantly cuts fuel use and emissions.

The vessel features an automated energy management system, which intelligently allocates power across various onboard systems to ensure maximum efficiency and fuel savings. Under favorable conditions, the ship can even operate using solar power alone, particularly when lightly loaded or traveling downstream.

This is not HGK Shipping’s first foray into solar-powered shipping. In 2024, the company collaborated with Wattlab on the MS Helios, a 135-meter dry cargo vessel that earned a Guinness World Record for the largest solar array on an inland ship, with 312 panels. However, the Helios only supports low-voltage onboard systems, unlike Blue Marlin’s advanced propulsion capabilities.

The Blue Marlin project represents a critical step forward in the decarbonization of inland waterways and highlights the growing role of solar innovation in commercial shipping.