Wattlab wins the IBJ Environmental Protection Award for Solar Flatrack.
A week that started with signing Berge Rederi ended with an award. The IBJ recognised the Solar Flatrack as the most impactful environmental innovation in bulk shipping.
Wattlab has won the IBJ Environmental Protection Award at the IBJ Awards 2025. The award recognises the Solar Flatrack as a proven, scalable solution for reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions on seagoing cargo vessels. It is organised by International Bulk Journal, a publication that has covered the dry bulk industry for 40 years.
The Solar Flatrack lets vessels generate solar electricity at sea, reducing auxiliary fuel use by 2 to 5% and cutting CO₂ and GHG emissions. It installs in a day using standard container twist lock fittings, requires minimal maintenance and can be removed when cargo operations require a clear deck.
Validated by TNO
Dutch research organisation TNO conducted an independent study into the system’s performance. The results confirm what Wattlab has been saying since the pilots with Vertom: the energy yield is in line with expectations, the financial return is real and the system is durable enough for the coastal shipping environment.
TNO validation findings
TNO confirmed that the Solar Flatrack offers a reliable, cost-effective and scalable pathway to decarbonisation for bulk carriers and short sea coasters. The report covers system performance, energy yield and financial return under real operational conditions.
That independent validation matters. For shipowners deciding whether to invest, a TNO report carries weight. It moves the Solar Flatrack from “promising new product” to “proven technology with verified numbers.”
A busy few weeks
The award came at a good moment. Just days earlier at Europort Rotterdam, Wattlab signed its contract with Berge Rederi for 96 Solar Flatracks on the BRF Froan. The pipeline is filling up quickly.
“We feel a bit overwhelmed by the strong interest from around the world. But that is a good feeling. This award is a strong recognition of what is possible when innovation meets real operational needs. The Solar Flatrack shows that decarbonising shipping does not always require waiting for future fuels. Solar power can deliver measurable impact right now.”
Bo also took a moment to acknowledge the partnerships that made it possible. Vertom enabled both pilot installations and the full-scale system now operating on the MV Vertom Tula. TNO provided the independent validation. And customers like Berge Rederi have placed real trust in the technology at an early stage. For a scale-up, that combination of recognition, validation and commercial momentum is rare. Wattlab is making the most of it.
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