Solar Solve Marine have recently returned from exhibiting for the second time at the Seatrade Middle East Maritime Exhibition & Conference (SMEME) which took place at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre at the end of November 2012. SMEME is held every two years in Dubai, and has evolved into one of the world’s fastest-growing maritime events as the region plays an increasingly important role in world shipping. Since launching in 2003, the exhibition has gone from strength-to-strength and now attracts more than 7,000 participants from 67 countries. A key to the success of this event is the high level conference which boasts an international line-up of speakers.
Despite the challenging circumstances due to the worldwide recession the show was busy and productive, and hailed as a great success for Solar Solve, with wide interest in their products from ship owners, ship managers, ship builders and marine equipment suppliers all keen to do business. Taking centre stage on display, and attracting particular interest, was Solar Solve’s automated electric SOLASAFE screen. The product, which is Type Approved by Lloyds, DNV-GL and ABS complies with a wide range of marine regulations including ISO 8468, M Notice 760 & Merchant Shipping No. 1419 1998.
Attending the show was Solar Solve’s M.D., Ms Julie Lightfoot MBE, who commented: “The location of our stand on the British Pavilion, in partnership with the British Marine Equipment Association, was ideal and enabled us to benefit from the constant flow of people moving between the conferences”.
An increased awareness of the benefits of installing anti glare screens to navigation bridge windows and control rooms continues to grow, as Solar Solve received a significant number of solid enquiries for both new build vessels and retrofits. The SOLASOLV brand is becoming recognised as the preferred solution by shipowners and managers, not just from a navigational safety aspect, but as they start to consider the environmental and cost saving benefits of specifying and installing SOLASOLV screens for their superior and reliable performance in reducing heat and glare from the sun.
In 2009 academics at a leading UK University carried out tests that showed that up to 81% less air conditioning power consumption, depending on the type of solar film used in the construction of the screen, can be expected when SOLASOLV screens are in use. Whilst Solar Solve have always felt that this was significant, it is only in recent years that the marine industry has begun to attach importance to it.
Julie added: “ Certainly the cost savings of installing SOLASOLV screens are an advantage, but now that there is more awareness and desire to be eco friendly, the amount of fuel oil that is saved and the amount of noxious gasses and carbon that are not being discharged into the atmosphere as a result of installing SOLASOLV screens are proving to be a significant part of purchasing decisions.”
Solar Solve has its global headquarters at the Port of Tyne in South Shields, UK, and a comprehensive network of distributors around the world who can offer a local service, including measuring and installation, to shipowners and shipyards.
Top Image – Ms Julie Lightfoot MBE, MD of Solar Solve Marine with Andrew Callaghan, MD , Asia & Global Sales Director of Seatrade at the Seatrade Middle East & Indian Subcontinent Awards Gala Dinner at the Atlantis the Palm hotel, Dubai.
