Marfin goes solar

(Posted on 31/07/19)

Dry Bulk operator Marfin Management and Solar Panel specialists Solbian have announced the introduction of a first solar installation on a bulk carrier ship. This system has been installed on Paolo Topic vessel, a bulk carrier, managed by Marfin Management S.A.M. The project was officialised with the signature of an agreement on 8th July, in Montecarlo, Principality of Monaco.  

The innovative installation originated by the joint work of the two companies together with TGE S.r.l., an Italian company specialized in the realization of solar plants. Special attention has been devoted in fitting the solar panels on the ship structure without creating fixed constraints to the load and unload operations. At this sake, a special removable structure was realized. The goal of this first prototype will be to assess the solar production, bearing in mind the idea of a future integration of solar with the hybridization of the three diesel genset, which until now were the only source of electric power on the ship.

The seamless integration of engines, batteries, solar panels and power distribution, overall controlled by a dedicated Energy Management System (EMS), will ensure M/S Paolo Topic a new level of competitiveness. A drastic reduction in fuel consumption and maintenance expenses, combined with the most advanced level of environmental performances, will make of M/S Paolo Topic the most technological advanced bulk carrier currently present in the world fleet. In addition to that, operation stability and increased efficiency will be ensured in all operation conditions including loading and unloading.

“We are pleased to have found like-minded partners to bring new technology and innovative thinking onboard to help improve our environmental performance leading the way towards a more sustainable future. We will be able to provide our customers and partners, the most advanced vessel’s performances and environmental quality without compromising on operation effectiveness and flexibility” says Alex Albertini, CEO at Marfin Management.

“With our unique technology, we are pleased to participate in an adventure with real impact capable to disrupt some fundamentals allowing for change.” Luca Bonci CEO at Solbian Energie Alternative S.r.l.

Latest News

North Pacific Green Corridor Consortium forms new corridor

Global industry leaders from North America, Asia and Europe have announced the formation of the North... Read more

Tomini Dynasty Captain receives prestigious Gallantry Award

Tomini Group, a world-class dry bulk ship owner, has announced that Captain Om Dutta has been honoured... Read more

Singapore retains top spot as world’s leading maritime city

Singapore has retained its title as the leading maritime city in the world, followed by Rotterdam and... Read more

AtoB@C Shipping takes delivery of Stellamar

AtoB@C Shipping, a subsidiary of ESL Shipping, the leading carrier of dry bulk cargoes in the Baltic... Read more

Maritime industry leaders to explore ammonia as marine fuel on US West Coast

American Bureau of Shipping, CALAMCO, Fleet Management Limited, Sumitomo Corporation and TOTE Services... Read more

MMS raises awareness over improper use of antibiotics on board vessels

Leading provider of medical support services for crews, Marine Medical Solutions (MMS), is concerned... Read more

ESL to sell Supramaxes

ESL Shipping, a leading carrier of dry bulk cargoes in the Baltic region, has signed a memorandum of... Read more

Sustainable fuels can reach cost parity with fossil fuels by 2035

New Wärtsilä analysis shows EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime will close price gap, creating policy... Read more

Swedish Club delivers firm foundation for future growth

The Swedish Club reported positive results for 2023, combined with an emphasis on supporting its members... Read more

DNV establishes Tanker and Bulker Expert Team in China

DNV has established a Tanker and Bulker Expert Team based in Shanghai. With strong global demand and... Read more