Can solar power power a ship?

Wartsila, a leading shipping company based in Finland, announced its successful installation of a new hybrid energy system using solar power on a bulk carrier, the merchant vessel Paolo Topic. The company says that with this new installation the Paolo Topic is the most technologically advanced ship of its class to ever set sail.

Can solar power save fuel on ships?

Recent advances in solar cell and photovoltaic (PV) module technologies have led to solar power becoming a cost effective fuel reduction option on pleasure boats, ferries and tourist vessels. However on large ships the amount of fuel saved through the use of solar power alone is relatively small.

Is solar a viable option for shipboard power systems?

(Tick all that apply) Despite being a hard-to-abate industry, shipping is witnessing an acceleration in the adoption of clean technologies. Solar is emerging as a particularly attractive option for integration into shipboard power systems due to its abundance, reliability and zero-emission profile.

Could a solar ship be commercially viable?

However on large ships the amount of fuel saved through the use of solar power alone is relatively small. So the idea of a commercially viable solar ship seems impractical at the moment.