The dry cargo ship “Helios seca “Helios” has been recognized with a new world record for the installation of 312 solar panels on its hatch covers, an innovative design that makes it a leader in sustainability in river transport. river transport. The record for the MS Helios was certified by Guinness World Records this September at an event held at the port of Rotterdamwith the participation of key project partners HGK Shipping, Wattlab and Blommaert.
Company collaboration for MS Helio
The “Helios” design, which was christened the christened in June 2024, stands out for its capacity to generate up to 90 megawatt hours of electricity per year thanks to its solar panels. solar panelsinstalled by Dutch startup Wattlab. This energy is used for onboard operations, significantly reducing the ship’s carbon footprint footprint of the ship. It is estimated that the “Helios” will save around 90 tons of CO₂ annually, an important step towards the use of renewable energy in the maritime industry.
Helios offers an exciting perspective on the future of dry freight transportation. Source: HGK Shipping
The success of this project has been made possible thanks to the collaboration between HGK Shipping, the largest inland waterway transport company in Europe, and Wattlab, a Rotterdam-based start-up company specializing in solar solutions. In addition, the company Blommaert was commissioned to design the ship’s hatch covers, which incorporate the solar panels efficiently and safely. These hatches, apart from protecting the cargo, generate clean energy, demonstrating how technological innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Helios HS efficiency and capacity
The “Helios”, which 135 meters long and 11.45 meters wide, is a model of sustainability and transport efficiency.is a model of sustainability and transport efficiency. With a hold capacity of 5,570 cubic meters, it is capable of transporting products such as rapeseed, which HGK Shipping distributes for the global food giant ADM.
Your hybrid propulsioncombining solar energy and an efficient diesel engine, allows it to reduce fuel consumption and operate with greater autonomy. In addition, its advanced energy management system maximizes the use of the 312 solar panels and its aerodynamic design decreases wind resistance, further improving energy efficiency. energy efficiency. All this makes it a key player in the European river transport network, combining sustainability and operational efficiency.
The MS Helios record
This world record is just the beginning:
Our goal is to break records and lead the way toward more sustainable transportation. Solar energy is a crucial component in this process, and we will continue to explore new ways to protect the climate while operating efficiently.
Steffen Bauer, CEO of HGK Shipping, said.
This approach shows how the logistics industry can adapt to current and future challenges by implementing clean technologies.
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Source and photos: HGK Shipping