A few weeks ago, while watching the MONSTER SHIPS series produced in 2019 by WAG TV Ltd for UK TV’s YESTERDAY channel, we made a discovery that caught us completely off guard.
The first episode featuring Pacific Orca, the world’s largest Jack-up Wind Turbine Installation Vessel, showed SOLASAFE solar shades already installed at the navigation bridge windows, something we had previously written about.
But the second episode was an even bigger surprise. Royal Clipper, the world’s biggest full-rigged sailing ship, opened with the Captain standing on the navigation bridge right next to a SOLASAFE solar shade fitted at one of the windows.
Our records confirm that in December 2014, Solar Solve supplied a consignment of 10 SOLASAFE solar shades to Star Cruises, the vessel’s owners, for installation at Royal Clipper’s navigation bridge windows. Seeing them in active use on screen looking exactly as they should was a genuinely proud moment.
About Royal Clipper — The World’s Largest Full-Rigged Sailing Ship
Royal Clipper is a remarkable vessel by any measure. Here are the key facts:
- The only ship in the world with 5 masts and 42 sails
- Combined sail area of 56,000 square feet
- Built in 2000, measuring 134 metres in length with a 16-metre beam
- Equipped with state-of-the-art navigation systems
- Capacity for 250 passengers, typically on 7-day Caribbean itineraries
- Home port: Bridgetown, Barbados (for part of each year)
- Also operates Mediterranean cruise routes seasonally
One of Royal Clipper’s most distinctive features is that passengers are invited to climb the mast with a safety harness provided and experience the views from the converted crow’s nest. It is one of the most unparalleled vantage points available to any cruise passenger anywhere in the world.
Why Are Marine Solar Shades Essential on Navigation Bridges?
Navigation bridge windows on vessels like Royal Clipper face constant exposure to intense sunlight, glare, and solar heat all of which directly impact crew visibility and operational safety. SOLASAFE marine solar shades are designed specifically to address these challenges in demanding maritime environments.
Key benefits for navigation bridges include:
- Glare reduction — eliminating sun glare that impairs the officer of the watch’s visibility of the sea and instruments
- UV protection — blocking harmful UV radiation that causes eye fatigue during long watches
- Heat control — reducing solar heat gain on the bridge to maintain a comfortable working environment
- Maintained outward visibility — unlike conventional blinds, SOLASAFE screens allow clear, unobstructed views through the window at all times
- IMO compliance — Solar Solve’s SOLASAFE screens are Type Approved and meet international maritime visibility standards
Here is another video of the ship…
What Makes SOLASAFE Different From Standard Window Coverings?
SOLASAFE solar shades are not general-purpose window coverings adapted for marine use. They are purpose-engineered for the maritime environment, built to perform reliably on vessels operating in some of the most demanding conditions on the planet from Caribbean sunshine to Mediterranean heat to offshore environments.
Every SOLASAFE product supplied by Solar Solve is:
- Type Approved for marine use
- Tested to meet IMO navigation bridge visibility requirements
- Designed to maintain true colour visibility through the screen
- Built to withstand the humidity, salt air, and temperature extremes of a working vessel
Frequently Asked Questions
What are marine solar shades?
Marine solar shades are purpose-built window coverings designed for use on ship navigation bridges and vessel windows. They reduce glare, block UV radiation, and control solar heat gain while maintaining clear outward visibility which is critical for safe navigation at sea.
What is SOLASAFE?
SOLASAFE is Solar Solve’s range of Type Approved marine solar shades and sunscreens. They are used on commercial vessels, cruise ships, offshore platforms, and naval craft worldwide and are designed to meet IMO standards for navigation bridge visibility.
Are solar shades required on ship navigation bridges?
not universally mandated, IMO regulations require that navigation bridge windows maintain specific levels of visibility and that nothing fitted to windows impairs the officer’s ability to see clearly. SOLASAFE screens are Type Approved, meaning they have been independently tested and certified to comply with these standards.
What vessels use SOLASAFE marine solar shades?
SOLASAFE solar shades have been installed on a wide range of vessels including cruise ships (Royal Clipper, Queen Elizabeth), ferries (DFDS King Seaways), offshore installation vessels (Pacific Orca), and many other commercial and specialist marine vessels worldwide.
How do I find out more about Solar Solve’s marine solar shades?
You can explore Solar Solve’s full range of Type Approved marine sunscreens and solar shades on the Solar Solve website, or use the search function to find specific products or vessel types.
