Immediately prior to Christmas, the multi-award-winning team at Solar Solve Marine in South Shields dispatched a large consignment of their Type Approved products to the company’s worldwide distributor in Busan. The equipment was supplied for installation on multiple new vessels under construction at shipyards across South Korea.
A particularly significant part of this shipment was destined for the mega container ship Madrid Maersk, which was under construction at Daewoo Shipbuilding’s Okpo facility and scheduled for delivery in April 2017.
Madrid Maersk and Next-Generation Container Shipping
Madrid Maersk is the first of eleven second-generation Triple-E class vessels commissioned by Maersk Line. The vessel was designed to push capacity limits and was expected to become the first container ship to exceed the 20,000 TEU threshold.
With ships of this scale, safe navigation and berthing rely on navigation bridge wings extending across the full width of the vessel. This design results in a large number of bridge windows — in this case, 69 — all requiring effective protection from solar glare and radiation in line with modern SOLAS recommendations.
Anti-Glare Roller Screens for Bridge Safety
To enhance the working environment on the navigation bridge, the vessel was specified with Anti-glare roller screens engineered to reduce solar glare, heat, and UV exposure while maintaining clear outward visibility.
For Madrid Maersk, SOLASAFE (with cassette) roller sunscreens were selected to provide durable, compliant, and proven performance. These systems act as a navigation safety aid, helping bridge personnel operate more comfortably and safely during extended watchkeeping.
Proven Technology Trusted by Global Shipowners
John Lightfoot MBE, Chairman of Solar Solve Marine and inventor of the product, commented:
“They have been tried and tested and proven to work effectively and efficiently for more than a quarter of a century and are accepted within the marine industry as the brand leader in their field.”
The project also highlights the strong collaboration between Solar Solve Marine and its Korean distributor, as well as the commitment of Danish shipowners to improving crew welfare and working conditions onboard their vessels.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why are anti-glare roller screens important on large container ships?
Large vessels have extensive bridge glazing, which increases exposure to glare and heat. Anti-glare roller screens help maintain visibility and reduce fatigue for bridge teams.
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What makes SOLASAFE roller sunscreens suitable for mega container ships?
They are Type Approved, proven in long-term service, and designed to perform reliably in demanding marine environments.
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How many bridge windows were protected on Madrid Maersk?
A total of 69 navigation bridge windows were fitted with roller sunscreens to enhance safety and comfort.
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Can these systems be installed during newbuild construction?
Yes. Roller sunscreens are commonly specified during newbuild projects and can also be retrofitted during refits.
