World’s largest, zero-emission, battery powered bulk carrier will get a solar energy system producing 172,8 kWp (twice as much as Wattlab’s previous project)

After delivering its first full-scale seagoing project last week, Wattlab signed a contract at Europort Rotterdam to outfit the hatches of the BRF Froan with their onboard solar energy system. For Norwegian, family-owned Shipping company Berge Rederi this is the icing on the cake, as the vessel will be the world’s largest battery-powered bulk carrier. BRF Froan is expected to be delivered in Q2 2026 and will transport marble from Brønnøy and Visnes to a production plant in Elnesvågen.

Bo Salet, co-founder and CEO of Wattlab is very proud:

“First of all, we thank Berge Rederi for trusting our system – and us. It is an honour that with our second seagoing project, we, as a scale-up, can be a part of such an innovative vessel as the BRF Froan. In addition, this proves that both in the Netherlands and internationally there is a real demand for solar energy in shipping. It also shows that our tested and proven technology is ready to be deployed at scale.”

The vessel is currently under construction and will sail to Norway next summer. At a stop-over in Flushing, the Netherlands, Wattlab will install the 96 Solar Flatracks in one day. Production will start in May at their new production facility in the port of Rotterdam.

“For shipowners, time is money,” says Bo. “Fast installation is crucial. Thanks to the smart design installing the system is simple, fast, and flexible. Should the need arise to clear the deck for special cargo, the Solar Flatracks can easily be stacked on the footprint of a 20 ft container.”

Maritime expertise

Wattlab is currently the only solar power supplier focused 100% on the maritime industry. But that was only one of the reasons for Berge Rederi to choose their system. Oivind Berge, Owner of Berge Rederi says:

“The knowledge that Bo Salet and Davd Kester have shown about vessel operations was key in our decision-making process. Berge Rederi is always looking to innovate. We were already familiar with their recent project for a Dutch shipowner, which demonstrated not only the installation process, but also the system’s real-world performance and operations.”

“Bo and David understand the things that a shipowner has to take into account. For example, they know what kind of damages can come about, and how to prevent them. They’ve also ensured that the crew only has to spend minimal time in piling the hatches during loading; the system is easy to use. And, important, they are easy to communicate with. So far, our collaboration is moving ahead smoothly.”

Zero-emission vessel

The fact that BRF Froan is a groundbreaking coaster is not only due to Wattlab’s solar installation. Berge Rederi has opted to pioneer in their market with a zero-emission vessel. BRF Froan will feature two 24m x 4m rotor sails saving an average of 339 kW per voyage.

The 23,5 MWh battery package will be charged at the loading port in Remman (Brønnøy) and the discharging port in Elnesvågen. Shore power facilities will be installed in both ports. Additionally, the ship is fitted with an electric excavator to ensure emission-free cargo operations.