Lewek Constellation Orders SOLASOLV® Sunscreens – Complete Details
Solar Solve Marine, the South Shields-based British manufacturer of SOLASOLV® anti-glare, heat-rejecting roller screens, has won a contract to supply 15 SOLASOLV® sunscreens to Lewek Constellation, a one-of-a-kind pipe and cable laying vessel operating in the subsea construction market.
The screens were dispatched to Rotterdam, where they were installed by Solar Solve’s Dutch distributor while the vessel completed its additional outfitting programme before heading to operational deployment in the Gulf of Mexico.
About the Order
Solar Solve supplied 15 SOLASOLV® anti-glare, heat-rejecting roller screens for installation at the navigation bridge windows of Lewek Constellation. The screens were installed using Solar Solve’s double-pulley constant tension operating system, which is the most commonly requested operating configuration across Solar Solve’s global customer base.
The double-pulley constant tension system holds the screen under tension when in use, preventing it from moving or flapping at the windows when the vessel is at sea. This is a critical performance feature for offshore vessels operating in open-water environments where vessel movement and vibration are continuous operational factors.
About Lewek Constellation
Lewek Constellation is one of the most technically advanced and uniquely capable subsea construction vessels in operation anywhere in the world. No other vessel currently combines its pipe laying, cable laying, and reel capacity in a single platform.
Vessel Specifications
| Detail | Specification |
| Built by | Sofel Shipyard, Vung Tau, Vietnam |
| Length | 178 metres |
| Beam | 46 metres |
| Accommodation | 239 persons, all in single cabins |
| Main crane | Huisman mast crane |
| Rigid pipe reels | Four removable 1,200 tonne reels |
| Flexible pipe carousels | Two fixed 1,250 tonne carousels |
| Traction winches | Two 600 tonne units |
| Steel wire rope storage | 4,000 metres capacity |
| Operational area | Gulf of Mexico |
The vessel’s combination of rigid pipe reels, flexible pipe carousels, and straightening capability is unique within the global subsea construction fleet. No other vessel in the world offers this combination of features and capacity.
Paul Hopkins, Solar Solve’s Sales and Marketing Executive, commented:
“This is yet another excellent order for Solar Solve to win and it is for a vessel operating in the subsea market. She is a state-of-the-art vessel which has been upgraded to make her the best in her class. Once she turns fully operational, she is heading to the Gulf of Mexico and a hot climate where the SOLASOLV® sunscreens will provide major benefit to the crew.”
Why SOLASOLV® Sunscreens Are Essential on Offshore Construction Vessels
Offshore construction vessels like Lewek Constellation operate in some of the most demanding sun and glare conditions on the planet. Open-water environments in regions such as the Gulf of Mexico expose navigation bridge windows to intense, unrelenting sunlight throughout the operational day.
For a vessel of this complexity, where precise navigation and crane operations must be performed simultaneously, clear and unobstructed outward visibility from the bridge is a critical safety requirement at all times.
SOLASOLV® anti-glare sunscreens are specified on vessels like Lewek Constellation because they deliver:
- Up to 93% solar glare rejection, eliminating sun glare that impairs visibility of the sea, other vessels, and navigation instruments
- Up to 87% solar heat rejection, maintaining a comfortable working temperature in the navigation bridge environment
- Full outward visibility maintained at all times, with no colour distortion through the screen
- Significant reduction in eye strain and crew fatigue during long operational watches
- A 7-year product guarantee, confirming Solar Solve’s confidence in the long-term performance of every screen supplied
You can learn more about Solar Solve’s range of offshore sunscreen solutions on the offshore sector page.
About SOLASOLV® — The World’s Most Certified Marine Sunscreen
Solar Solve Marine has specialised in providing sun and glare protection to the marine and offshore industry for almost 30 years. SOLASOLV® anti-glare screens are installed at the windows of ships, rigs, and cranes of all types and sizes worldwide and are regarded throughout the industry as essential safety equipment.
SOLASOLV® and SOLASAFE® are the only marine sunscreens in the world to hold simultaneous Type Approval from all three of the world’s leading classification societies:
| Classification Society | Status |
| Lloyd’s Register | Type Approved |
| DNV-GL | Type Approved |
| ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) | Type Approved |
This triple Type Approval makes SOLASOLV® the safest and most compliant specification choice for any shipbuilder, vessel owner, or offshore operator worldwide, regardless of flag state or classification society requirement.
Solar Solve also celebrated its 40th anniversary in business in 2015, marking four decades of continuous specialist marine manufacturing from its South Shields factory. You can read more about Solar Solve’s history and heritage on the about Solar Solve page.
To find out more about SOLASOLV® anti-glare sunscreens for offshore and marine vessels, visit the SOLASOLV® product page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are SOLASOLV® anti-glare sunscreens?
SOLASOLV® anti-glare sunscreens are Type Approved marine roller screens manufactured by Solar Solve Marine in South Shields, UK. They are designed for installation at navigation bridge and control room windows on ships, offshore vessels, rigs, and cranes. They reject up to 93% of solar glare and up to 87% of heat while maintaining full outward visibility at all times.
What is the double-pulley constant tension operating system?
The double-pulley constant tension operating system is Solar Solve’s most commonly requested screen operating configuration. It holds the SOLASOLV® screen under constant tension when deployed, preventing movement or flapping at the window when the vessel is at sea. This is particularly important on offshore construction vessels where vessel movement and vibration are continuous during operations.
How long is the SOLASOLV® product guarantee?
SOLASAFE® screens are guaranteed for 7 years, confirming Solar Solve’s confidence in the long-term durability and performance of every screen supplied.
What Type Approvals do SOLASOLV® screens hold?
SOLASOLV® marine sunscreens hold Type Approval from Lloyd’s Register, DNV-GL, and ABS (American Bureau of Shipping). They are the only marine anti-glare screens in the world to hold simultaneous Type Approval from all three of these leading international classification societies.
What makes Lewek Constellation unique?
Lewek Constellation is a one-of-a-kind pipe and cable laying vessel. It is the only vessel in the world equipped with four removable 1,200 tonne rigid pipe reels, two fixed 1,250 tonne flexible pipe carousels, two 600 tonne traction winches, and a straightening capability that no other vessel can match.
Where is Solar Solve based and who installed the screens on Lewek Constellation?
Solar Solve Marine is based in South Shields, UK. The SOLASOLV® screens for Lewek Constellation were installed by Solar Solve’s Dutch distributor in Rotterdam while the vessel completed its additional outfitting programme before operational deployment.
