Wattlab, a Dutch solar technology firm, has installed a hybrid solar system on HGK Shipping’s inland cargo vessel Blue Marlin. The vessel is the first of its kind to use solar power directly for propulsion. The system includes 192 panels generating up to 35 kilowatts, powering both onboard systems and the high-voltage propulsion network. It operates with four diesel generators and features automated energy management with peak shaving to reduce generator use. Installation took place at De Gerlien van Tiem shipyard with Blommaert Aluminium and Van Tiem Electro. Blue Marlin follows HGK’s earlier MS Helios, which powered only low-voltage systems. In April, Wattlab launched SolarDeck, a scalable solar solution for seagoing vessels amid rising fuel prices.