Solar Solve Marine, based in South Shields, UK, is the manufacturer of SOLASOLV®, the world’s leading brand of SOLASAFE sunshades for ships. The company recently supplied Type Approved sunshades for New Zealand Navy patrol vessels, demonstrating its capability to deliver high-performance anti-glare solutions to customers across the globe.
Working closely with New Zealand Defence Force personnel and representatives from their contractors, Solar Solve Marine’s technical and production teams supplied the first two of four Lake-class inshore patrol vessels with custom-fitted anti-glare screens. These sunshades are installed at the navigation bridge windows to reduce solar glare, UV exposure, and heat.
For other marine applications, Solar Solve’s SOLAROLA (anti-glare solar blinds and window shades) offer similar performance for commercial and defence vessels worldwide.
Lake-Class Inshore Patrol Vessels: Operational Overview
The Lake-class patrol vessels are highly manoeuvrable ships capable of speeds up to 25 knots. They are designed for maritime surveillance and patrol missions along New Zealand’s 15,000-kilometre coastline and within the 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone.
Key features include:
- Fully automated control and navigation systems
- Powerful engines and modern communications
- Advanced surveillance systems and active stabilisers
- Comfortable accommodation for 24 naval personnel and 4 Government agency officers
These vessels are critical for national security and patrol operations, making the implementation of navigation bridge sunshades an essential enhancement for crew safety and operational efficiency.
Custom SOLASAFE Sunshades: Designed for Complex Bridge Environments
Carl Johnson, Solar Solve’s Operations Manager, explains:
“We were contacted in March of this year with the initial enquiry, which was for one vessel but now we will be supplying all four of these Lake-class Inshore Patrol Vessels.”
The design process considered angled windows and obstructions near the bridge, ensuring each sunshade met exact specifications. Solar Solve’s teams collaborated remotely across 11,000 miles, accommodating vessel patrol schedules and simultaneous refit operations.
Each vessel will be fitted with 14 SOLASAFE® sunshades for ships, which:
- Prevent discomfort and distractions from solar glare and UV light
- Act as a highly effective navigation safety aid
- Reject over 60% of transmitted heat through bridge windows, improving crew comfort
For further details to reduce sunlight and create optimal daytime sleeping, see Solar Solve’s STOPLITE (blackout + stop in any position).
Benefits of SOLASAFE Sunshades for New Zealand Navy Patrol Vessels
- Enhanced crew safety and situational awareness on the bridge
- Reduced navigator fatigue and eye strain
- Compliance with marine environmental and bridge safety standards
- Long-term durability with Type Approved ABS, DNV-GL, and Lloyd’s Register certification
These features ensure that New Zealand Navy personnel can operate effectively, even during high-glare tropical or coastal conditions, while maintaining mission readiness and comfort.
Conclusion
The deployment of SOLASAFE sunshades for New Zealand Navy patrol vessels highlights 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 rejection, and durable construction, these sunshades enhance bridge safety, crew comfort, and operational efficiency for New Zealand’s Lake-class patrol vessels. This project reinforces Solar Solve’s global reputation as a trusted supplier of marine sunshade solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are SOLASAFE sunshades for New Zealand Navy patrol vessels?
They are Type Approved sunshades installed on navigation bridge windows to reduce solar glare, UV exposure, and heat, enhancing crew comfort and safety.
2. How do these sunshades improve naval operations?
By reducing glare and heat, SOLASAFE sunshades act as a Navigation Safety Aid, improving bridge visibility, situational awareness, and operational efficiency.
3. Can SOLASAFE sunshades be installed on other types of ships?
Yes. SOLASAFE is widely used across naval, commercial, and offshore vessels requiring reliable glare control and bridge safety solutions.
4. Are SOLASAFE sunshades compliant with classification standards?
Yes. They are Type Approved and certified by ABS, DNV-GL, and Lloyd’s Register, ensuring marine-grade performance and durability.
