Sailors SocietyPort of South LouisianaTelestackViganCimbriaPort of Stockton
  • Vigan
  • Van Aalst
  • Telestack
  • Port of South Louisiana
  • Geneva Dry
  • TBA Group

Marfin goes solar

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

INTERCARGO highlights progress and priorities in bulk carrier safety

(Posted on 07/07/26)

Bulk carrier safety continues to show steady long-term improvement, but the nature of risk facing seafarers... Read more


Norden raises full-year guidance following strong performance in dry cargo

(Posted on 07/07/26)

Following stronger than expected operational performance in dry cargo, reduced costs associated with... Read more


Algoma announces refinancing of long-term debt

(Posted on 03/07/26)

Algoma Central Corporation, a leading provider of marine transportation services, has announced that... Read more


Global maritime under threat from Fortibleed incident, warns Cydome

(Posted on 03/07/26)

Major maritime, ports and energy companies have been identified by Cydome’s threat-intelligence... Read more


Crewing specialist expands global recruitment network with Indonesian seafarers

(Posted on 30/06/26)

As the global shipping industry faces mounting concerns over future crew availability, Danica Crewing... Read more


IMO pauses evacuation in Strait of Hormuz following attack

(Posted on 29/06/26)

Following an attack on a vessel in the Gulf of Oman, IMO has decided to temporarily pause its evacuation... Read more


Human cost of keeping world trade moving highlighted on Day of the Seafarer

(Posted on 25/06/26)

Leading health and wellness platform OneCare Group is calling on shipping leaders to recognise the immense... Read more


Partnership to put seafarer wellbeing at heart of maritime safety

(Posted on 24/06/26)

NorthStandard will partner maritime welfare charity Sailors’ Society to support seafarers&rsquo... Read more


IMCA urges focus on diver safety amid rising demand as Strait of Hormuz reopens

(Posted on 24/06/26)

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has reminded vessel owners and operators of... Read more


Dark side of AI exposes maritime cyber training gap, warns SmartSea

(Posted on 24/06/26)

AI is promising enormous benefits for the maritime industry. However, as shipping embraces digitalisation... Read more


Geneva DryTBA GroupVan AalstBühler GmbH
  • Bühler GmbH
  • Port of Stockton

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping