Clean energy startup MarineSolar Energy Solutions has completed a pilot trial of its NanoDeck photovoltaic system aboard a Rio Tinto-owned vessel, marking another step in the shipping industry’s search for practical onboard renewable energy solutions.
The trial was conducted on the RTM Cook as part of a non-commercial technology evaluation designed to test the system under demanding real-world marine conditions.
MarineSolar said the NanoDeck system continued operating over several months at sea despite exposure to heavy waves and strong winds, while consistently transmitting operational data.
The company’s technology is designed as a retrofittable solar energy system capable of generating supplementary onboard power both at sea and in port, helping vessels reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Early trial data indicated the system has potential to cut bunker use while also providing additional renewable power onboard.
“The opportunity to trial our technology on a working carrier has been invaluable for evaluating the system in real-world conditions,” said Nigel Marc Roberts, chief executive of MarineSolar Energy Solutions.
“The data we’ve gathered will inform the next phase of our technology development,” he added.
The company said it is also studying how the NanoDeck system could integrate with other emerging maritime decarbonisation technologies, including alternative propulsion systems and lower-emission fuels.
Interest in supplementary renewable technologies has grown across shipping as owners look for incremental fuel savings alongside compliance with tightening environmental regulations and carbon intensity targets.
MarineSolar said the Rio Tinto trial was carried out solely to support evaluation of the technology, with any future commercial application subject to further assessment.
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