Last week, the IBJ Awards recognised Wattlab’s contribution to deliver verified fuel savings, CO₂ reduction, and a strong financial return to shipping companies. Wattlab was awarded the IBJ Environmental Protection Award for its innovative Solar Flatrack, the world’s first modular solar power solution engineered specifically for seagoing cargo vessels. Furthermore, the scale-up’s maritime solar energy system has now been independently validated by TNO.

The IBJ Awards is a longstanding event organized by International Bulk Journal, the medium that has reported about and commented on for the dry bulk industry for 40 years.

The Solar Flatrack allows vessels to generate free solar electricity at sea, reducing auxiliary fuel consumption by 2–5% and lowering CO₂ and GHG emissions. The solution offers a strong return on investment, fast installation, high durability, and seamless integration into daily ship operations.

Independent Validation by TNO

Dutch research organisation TNO conducted an independent study confirming system performance, energy yield, and financial return. Results show that the Solar Flatrack offers a reliable, cost-effective, and scalable pathway to decarbonisation for bulk carriers and short sea coasters.

Acknowledgements

For Wattlab, a scale-up looking to outfit as many coasters as possible, this award comes at a good time.

“We extend our sincere thanks to Vertom, whose support enabled both pilot installations and the full-scale system now operating aboard MV Vertom Tula,” says Bo Salet, CEO at Wattlab. “We are equally grateful to TNO for validating our system and to our customers for the trust they place in us, such as Berge Rederi who awarded us with a contract for their BRF Froan just last week at Europort. We feel a bit overwhelmed by the strong interest from around the world; but that’s a good feeling!”

“This award is a strong recognition of what is possible when innovation meets real operational needs,” Bo continues. “The Solar Flatrack shows that decarbonising shipping doesn’t always require waiting for future fuels. Solar power can deliver measurable impact right now.”