Image Credits: Wattlab A dry cargo ship named Blue Marlin has become the world’s first hybrid solar-powered vessel. The ship is the result of a collaboration between Wattlab and HGK Shipping. It aims to decarbonise inland shipping operations and has been quite successful in this regard. Blue Marlin uses solar power for both onboard systems and propulsion. Launched in 2025, it has 192 solar panels producing around 37,000 kWh of electricity annually, helping reduce fuel consumption and harmful emissions. It operates as a dry cargo ship carrying bulk commodities like steel for the company Stalzgitter AG. It has a future fuel-ready propulsion system, low-water optimisation and SEAFARER tech so that it can also be controlled remotely. Blue Marlin is 86 m long and 9.5 m wide, specifically designed to operate in shallow waters, with a draft of 1.10 m. The vessel has Twin Veth rudder propellers and a bow thruster. It can connect with push barges to handle cargo loads of up to 3,110 tons. The ship also has four diesel generators, enabling peak shaving, a technique to decrease electrical power consumption during periods of maximum demand on the power utility. Its energy management system distributes power precisely and, when required, improves overall efficiency and reduces fuel consumption. It also cuts carbon dioxide emissions by up to 36,000 kilograms annually. Blue Marlin supports sustainable shipping operations. It is built on the success of MS Helios, another vessel of HGK, which has solar panels made by Wattlab. However, Helios uses solar only for low-voltage onboard systems, Blue Marlin raises the bar with full propulsion integration, earning it the Gold Green Award for sustainable vessel design. Disclaimer : The information on this website is for general purposes only. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, we make no warranties of any kind regarding completeness, reliability, or suitability. Any reliance you place on such information is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website. Related Posts Marine Transportation Of Plastic Pellets Or Nurdles Underwater Ship Hull Cleaning: Techniques, ROVs, & Cavitation Technology 20 Types of Shipping Containers: Designs, Dimensions and Uses Explained Top 20 Largest Cruise Ships In The World Related Posts Marine Transportation Of Plastic Pellets Or Nurdles Underwater Ship Hull Cleaning: Techniques, ROVs, & Cavitation Technology 20 Types of Shipping Containers: Designs, Dimensions and Uses Explained About Author Zahra is an SEO-Strategist & a Technical Writer with over 5 years of experience crafting top-tier content for the shipping world. From news, articles, ebooks, blogs and marketing pieces to industry white papers, she has written it all and now brings that experience to her role as Senior Editor. She makes complex maritime stories clear, sharp, and engaging. Read More Articles By This Author > Disclaimer : The information on this website is for general purposes only. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, we make no warranties of any kind regarding completeness, reliability, or suitability. Any reliance you place on such information is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website. Related Articles The National Maritime Centre: Providing Quality with Utility Subsea Drilling: The What, Why and How The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) Exams and What they Mean to an Average Shippy