Project Overview
| Shipyard | Damen Shipyards, Singapore |
| Vessel type | Passenger ferries ā six-vessel series |
| Sector | Marine ā passenger ferry newbuild |
| Product supplied | SOLASAFEĀ® Type Approved cassette sunscreens |
| Screens per vessel | 15 |
| Total screens | 90 screens across the full six-vessel series |
| Delivery schedule | Monthly, February to June ā one vessel set per month |
| Supply route | Solar Solveās Singapore distributor ā supplied as part of an integrated navigation bridge window package |
| Manufacturer | Solar Solve Marine, South Shields, UK |
Solar Solve Marine received a significant order from its Singapore distributor for 90 SOLASAFEĀ® Type Approved cassette sunscreens across six passenger ferries under construction at Damen Shipyards in Singapore. The screens were supplied as part of a complete navigation bridge window package, with Solar Solveās Singapore distributor acting as the window manufacturer and supplying SOLASOLVĀ® screens as an integrated component of the window system delivered directly to the shipyard.
How the Order Was Secured
Solar Solveās Singapore distributor operates as a window manufacturer, supplying complete navigation bridge window systems directly to shipyards. SOLASOLVĀ® sunscreens are specified and supplied as part of that integrated window package ā a supply model that reflects the strong, long-standing distribution partnerships Solar Solve has built across its global network.
Paul Hopkins, Solar Solveās Sales and Marketing Executive, commented:
āOur Singapore Distributor manufactures windows which they supply to shipyards and purchase SOLASOLVĀ® screens to supply as a package. This is another significant order for our company in addition to the one we received from Seadrill last month from another Distributor in Singapore.ā
Paul Hopkins, Sales and Marketing Executive, Solar Solve Marine
This order followed closely behind a separate Singapore-based order received from Seadrill the previous month, underlining the strength of Solar Solveās presence in the Asia-Pacific shipbuilding market and the effectiveness of its distributor network model in the region.
The Challenge ā Supplying Six Vessels on a Monthly Delivery Schedule
The six-vessel series presented a specific supply and logistics challenge. With vessels scheduled for delivery on a monthly basis between February and June, Solar Solve needed to manufacture and dispatch one complete ship set of 15 SOLASAFEĀ® screens every month, with each set arriving in Singapore in time to be integrated into the window package and installed during the vesselās build programme before its scheduled delivery date.
The reliability of Solar Solveās UK manufacturing operation and its established supply relationship with the Singapore distributor made this a manageable programme, but it required consistent production scheduling and on-time despatch across a five-month period to keep pace with the shipyardās vessel delivery timetable.
Product ā SOLASAFEĀ® Cassette Sunscreens
SOLASAFEĀ® is Solar Solveās cassette-mounted Type Approved anti-glare sunscreen, specifically designed for navigation bridge window applications on commercial vessels. For a newbuild ferry programme at a major shipyard, the cassette format is the preferred specification because the self-contained cassette housing integrates cleanly with the window frame during construction, provides a professional finished appearance, and protects the screen material from dust and mechanical contact during the build process. View the SOLASAFEĀ® product page for full specifications.
Each of the 15 screens per vessel was manufactured to the specific dimensions of the navigation bridge windows on that vessel class, ensuring a precise fit on all six vessels in the series.
Why Passenger Ferries Require Type Approved Navigation Bridge Sunscreens
Passenger ferries operate on fixed routes, often in high-traffic coastal and inland waterways where navigational precision and crew alertness are essential at all times. Navigation bridge officers face prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and reflected sea glare throughout the operational day.
| Performance Measure | Rating | Passenger Ferry Bridge Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Solar glare rejection | Up to 93% | Eliminates glare impairing visibility of sea, other vessels, navigation marks, and instruments |
| Solar heat rejection | Up to 87% | Maintains a comfortable bridge temperature and reduces crew fatigue during daily operational cycles |
| UV light rejection | Up to 99% | Protects bridge officers from cumulative UV exposure during year-round daily ferry operations |
| Outward visibility | Fully maintained | Clear, undistorted view through the screen at all times ā essential for safe navigation |
Type Approval
SOLASOLVĀ® screens hold Type Approval from all four leading international classification societies, making them the only marine anti-glare sunscreen in the world to hold all four simultaneously. All certificates are available to download from the Solar Solve downloads page:
- Lloydās Register Type Approval certificate
- DNV Type Approval certificate
- ABS Type Approval certificate
- RINA Type Approval certificate
Key Results
- 90 SOLASAFEĀ® Type Approved cassette sunscreens supplied across six passenger ferries under construction at Damen Shipyards in Singapore
- 15 screens per vessel, all manufactured to the specific window dimensions of the passenger ferry series
- Delivered on a monthly schedule across five months, matching the shipyardās vessel delivery timetable
- Supplied as part of an integrated navigation bridge window package through Solar Solveās Singapore distributor
- Order part of a strong Singapore market presence, following a separate Seadrill order from another Singapore distributor in the same period
- SOLASAFEĀ® screens hold Type Approval from Lloydās Register, DNV, ABS, and RINA ā fully compliant for any flag state or classification society requirement
Frequently Asked Questions
What are SOLASAFEĀ® cassette sunscreens?
SOLASAFEĀ® cassette sunscreens are Type Approved anti-glare, heat-rejecting roller screens designed for installation at navigation bridge and control room windows on commercial vessels. The cassette format provides a self-contained housing that integrates cleanly with the window frame, suitable for both newbuild installations and retrofits on vessels already in service. SOLASAFEĀ® holds Type Approval from Lloydās Register, DNV, ABS, and RINA.
Why are anti-glare sunscreens important on passenger ferries?
Passenger ferry officers of the watch are exposed to prolonged sun glare during daily operations, which increases eye strain, fatigue, and the risk of human error. SOLASAFEĀ® sunscreens reject up to 93% of solar glare and up to 87% of heat, maintaining clear outward visibility and a comfortable bridge environment while supporting safer ferry operations.
Are SOLASOLVĀ® screens suitable for newbuild vessels under construction?
Yes. SOLASOLVĀ® sunscreens are suitable for both newbuild specification and retrofit installation on vessels already in service. As demonstrated by this Damen Shipyards order, Solar Solve works directly with shipyards and distributors to ensure screens are supplied and fitted as part of the vesselās initial build programme, delivered on a schedule that matches the vessel delivery timetable.
How does Solar Solve supply products to shipyards globally?
Solar Solve operates through a worldwide network of authorised distributors, with more than 40 office locations across 6 continents. In markets like Singapore, distributors often supply SOLASOLVĀ® screens as part of an integrated window package directly to shipyards, ensuring seamless specification and supply during the vessel build programme.
What Type Approvals do SOLASOLVĀ® screens hold?
SOLASOLVĀ® screens hold Type Approval from Lloydās Register, DNV, ABS (American Bureau of Shipping), and RINA (Registro Italiano Navale). SOLASOLVĀ® is the only marine anti-glare sunscreen in the world to hold simultaneous Type Approval from all four of these leading classification societies. All certificates are available to download from the Solar Solve downloads page.
