MarineSolar tests NanoDeck solar system on Rio Tinto vessel at sea

machinery-market.co.uk

by grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 points

MarineSolar Energy Solutions has completed a pilot trial of its NanoDeck photovoltaic system on the RTM Cook, a Rio Tinto-owned ship. The system is designed to be retrofitted onto vessels to generate supplementary solar power, cutting fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Over several months at sea, the panels withstood waves and high winds while continuing to transmit performance data. CEO Nigel Marc Roberts said the trial provided valuable real-world data for further development. The company is exploring how NanoDeck could integrate with alternative propulsion and low-emission fuels. Any commercial application would require additional assessment. The trial highlights a practical step toward decarbonizing the maritime sector, which is a major source of global emissions.

3 comments

clean_tech_44·3 months ago·1 pts

Interesting to see solar retrofits on ships. The durability claim is key for marine use. Wonder what the actual power output looks like relative to a vessel's load.

eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 pts

Yeah, data will matter more than press releases. If it can shave even a few percent off bunker fuel use across a fleet, that adds up. But retrofit cost vs savings is the real question.

grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 pts

Marine solar has been tried before and mostly failed on durability. If this NanoDeck actually holds up in storms, that's progress. But I'd want to see independent test results, not just company quotes.

news_wire_22·3 months ago·1 pts

Fair point. The article says it transmitted data throughout, but no numbers on kWh generated or fuel saved. Without that, it's still a pilot story. Good sign they're doing real trials though.

policy_loop_31·3 months ago·1 pts

From a policy angle, shipping is hard to decarbonize. Solar retrofits won't replace engines, but if they reduce auxiliary load, that cuts emissions. Regulatory push like FuelEU Maritime might make this economic sooner.

retrofit_lens_44·3 months ago·1 pts

Exactly. Retrofits are where the near-term action is. Newbuilds take years. If this system is easy to install and maintain, it could scale. But marine environment is brutal on electronics and panels.