Solar Solve Marine concluded 2016 with several prestigious naval orders, including the dispatch of 22 brand-leading SOLASAFE® marine screens to Canada. These screens were installed at the navigation bridge windows of HMCS OTTAWA, a Halifax-class frigate (341) of the Royal Canadian Navy.
Commissioned in September 1996, HMCS OTTAWA is the twelfth and final ship of the Halifax class, originally built as part of the Canadian Patrol Frigate Project. Following a Mid-Life Refit, the vessel’s bridge personnel will benefit from the installation of SOLASAFE® marine screens, which act as both a Navigation Safety Aid and a comfort solution by reducing glare, heat, and UV exposure.
For broader naval applications, Solar Solve provides a wide range of marine and offshore solutions designed to enhance bridge safety and operational efficiency.
HMCS OTTAWA: Operational Overview
The Halifax-class frigates are multi-role patrol and combat vessels, supporting both national and international missions. HMCS OTTAWA, in particular:
- Underwent a Mid-Life Refit, modernizing navigation and operational systems
- Provides accommodation and workspaces for bridge personnel
- Operates in variable coastal and open-sea conditions, requiring enhanced glare reduction solutions
The 22 SOLASAFE® marine screens to Canada will be installed by the ship’s staff and are designed to be instantly retractable, allowing completely clear windows when needed. This ensures flexibility without compromising protection or safety.
Benefits of SOLASAFE® Marine Screens for the Canadian Navy
The SOLASAFE® marine screens provide multiple operational and safety benefits:
- Reduces solar glare and UV/infra-red exposure for bridge personnel
- Improves crew comfort and working environment
- Acts as a Navigation Safety Aid, improving visibility of electronic charts and instruments
- Fully retractable for flexible operational requirements
- Reliable, durable, and compliant with marine classification standards
These features are essential for Canadian naval personnel, particularly on vessels like HMCS OTTAWA, where bridge performance and situational awareness are critical.
For further details on marine safety solutions, see Solar Solve’s crew well-being and fatigue management guides.
Trusted Supplier to the Canadian Navy
John Lightfoot MBE, Solar Solve Marine’s Chairman, commented:
“This is the first order we have received from this customer and, like all of the other naval authorities, the Canadian government and its employees are very specific about what they need and what standards have to be met. There was a lot of dialogue between our technical staff and the naval specifiers to ensure Solar Solve gets it right.”
He added:
“We supply items that are an important piece of equipment enabling the safe, effective, and efficient navigation of a vessel. SOLASAFE® marine screens have been successfully fulfilling that role for 30 years and continue to do so. We look forward to working with the Canadian Navy again in 2017 and beyond.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are SOLASAFE® marine screens to Canada?
They are Type Approved, retractable anti-glare screens installed on navigation bridge windows to reduce glare, heat, and UV exposure while enhancing crew safety and comfort.
2. Why are SOLASAFE® marine screens important for naval vessels?
They improve visibility, reduce navigator fatigue, and act as a Navigation Safety Aid, supporting safe and efficient vessel operations in all lighting conditions.
3. Can these marine screens be used on other ships?
Yes. SOLASAFE® marine screens are widely applied across naval, commercial, and offshore vessels requiring reliable glare control and operational safety.
4. Are these marine screens compliant with classification standards?
Yes. SOLASAFE® marine screens are Type Approved and meet international marine safety standards, ensuring durability and reliability for long-term use.
Conclusion
The deployment of SOLASAFE® marine screens to Canada on HMCS OTTAWA underscores Solar Solve Marine’s expertise in delivering high-quality, Type Approved anti-glare solutions to naval fleets worldwide. By combining glare reduction, heat and UV protection, and retractable flexibility, these marine screens enhance bridge safety, crew comfort, and operational efficiency for the Royal Canadian Navy. This successful installation reinforces Solar Solve’s position as a trusted supplier for modern naval operations.
