Solar Solve Marine, the South Shields-based British manufacturer of SOLASOLVĀ® anti-glare roller sunscreens and specialist marine roller blinds, has collated and published its full portfolio of international Type Approvals, Quality Certificates, and Classification Society accreditations.
The decision followed two significant milestones the award of a new Quality Standard from ABS (American Bureau of Shipping), and confirmation from DNV-GL (formed following the merger of Det Norske Veritas and Germanischer Lloyd) that their updated logo now reflects the new combined entity.
For marine operators, shipbuilders, and procurement teams worldwide, this certification portfolio represents the most comprehensive independent validation available for any navigation bridge solar protection product on the market.
Solar Solve’s Full Type Approval & Certification Timeline
| Date | Certification | Products Covered |
| May 2001 | Lloyd’s Register Type Approval | SOLASAFE, SOLAROLA |
| September 2001 | ABS Type Approval | SOLASOLV range |
| July 2002 | DNV Type Approval | SOLASAFE, SOLAROLA |
| June 2005 | DNV Type Approval | ROLASOLV marine roller blinds |
| October 2014 | ABS ISO 9001-2008 Quality Management Certificate | Company-wide |
What These Certifications Mean for Marine Operators
Type Approval from Lloyd’s Register, ABS, and DNV-GL is not a formality. Each certification requires independent testing and assessment by the classification society, confirming that the product meets internationally recognised standards for performance, safety, and suitability for use on commercial vessels.
For Solar Solve, holding all three simultaneously means:
- Lloyd’s Register ā recognised by the UK and the majority of global maritime nations; the world’s oldest classification society with over 250 years of ship safety certification
- ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) ā the primary certification body for vessels operating under US flag or supplying to the US federal government and naval sector
- DNV-GL ā the merged Norwegian-German classification society, widely regarded as the leading technical authority in offshore and energy sector vessel certification
SOLASOLVĀ® is the only marine anti-glare sunscreen product in the world to hold Type Approval from all three of these bodies making it the benchmark product for navigation bridge solar protection globally.
About Solar Solve Marine ā 30+ Years of Industry Leadership
Solar Solve Marine was founded in South Shields, UK, and has been at the forefront of marine anti-glare and solar protection since its first product a prototype SOLAROLA sunscreen was installed at the wheelhouse windows of Johanna Oldendorff at Sunderland Shipbuilders in May 1987.
Key company facts:
- Over 140,000 screens and blinds supplied to approximately 14,000 vessels and locations worldwide
- Distribution network spanning more than 40 office locations across 6 continents
- Team of 16 long-serving specialists with a combined total of over 200 employee-years of experience
- Winners of over 15 awards for export achievement, business excellence, and marine industry recognition
- Both founders, Chairman John Lightfoot and Managing Director have been awarded MBE medals by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for services to international trade
- 90% of turnover exported, reflecting Solar Solve’s position as a truly global marine supplier
John Lightfoot, Solar Solve’s Chairman, commented:
“As a very proud and successful British based organisation it is fitting that we should begin with London based Lloyd’s Register, who have been involved with certifying ship safety for more than 250 years and were the first Classification Society to Type Approve the SOLASOLV anti-glare roller sunscreen products SOLASAFE and SOLAROLA.”
He added:
“The message is simple and straightforward. Find customers you can work with and treat them like Royalty. Customer is King. They can probably survive without you but you certainly cannot survive without them. Whatever it takes, you have to do.”
Why Type Approval Matters When Specifying Marine Solar Protection
When specifying products for navigation bridge windows, Type Approval is the critical differentiator between a general window covering and a product that has been independently certified as safe and fit for purpose in a maritime environment.
For shipbuilders, ship owners, and procurement managers, specifying a Type Approved product means:
- Compliance with IMO navigation bridge visibility requirements is independently verified
- Classification society approval removes liability risk at the point of specification
- The product has been tested to perform in the specific conditions found on commercial vessels humidity, salt air, temperature extremes, and continuous operational use
- Insurance and flag state requirements are more easily met
Solar Solve’s triple Type Approval Lloyd’s Register, ABS, and DNV-GL covers the vast majority of vessels operating under any flag worldwide, making SOLASOLVĀ® the safest and most compliant specification choice available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Type Approval for marine products?
Type Approval is an independent certification issued by a recognised classification society such as Lloyd’s Register, ABS, or DNV-GL confirming that a product has been tested and meets the required standards for use on commercial vessels. It is widely regarded as the benchmark quality and safety credential in the marine industry.
Which classification societies have Type Approved SOLASOLVĀ® products?
SOLASOLVĀ® marine anti-glare sunscreens hold Type Approval from Lloyd’s Register (since 2001), ABS ā American Bureau of Shipping (since 2001), and DNV-GL (since 2002). The ROLASOLVĀ® range of marine roller blinds also holds DNV Type Approval (since 2005).
Is SOLASOLVĀ® the only marine sunscreen with triple Type Approval?
Yes. SOLASOLVĀ® is the only marine anti-glare sunscreen and solar shade product in the world to hold simultaneous Type Approval from Lloyd’s Register, ABS, and DNV-GL ā making it the most independently certified navigation bridge solar protection product available.
Does Solar Solve hold a Quality Management certification?
Yes. Solar Solve Marine holds an ABS Certificate of Conformance to ISO 9001-2008 Quality Management Standard, awarded in October 2014, confirming that the company’s manufacturing and quality management systems meet internationally recognised standards.
Where are SOLASOLVĀ® products manufactured?
All SOLASOLVĀ® and ROLASOLVĀ® products are designed and manufactured in South Shields, United Kingdom. Solar Solve exports 90% of its turnover and supplies to vessels and operators in more than 40 locations across 6 continents.
How long has Solar Solve been supplying marine solar protection?
Solar Solve Marine has been supplying anti-glare sunscreens and marine roller blinds since May 1987, when the first prototype SOLAROLA product was installed on Johanna Oldendorff at Sunderland Shipbuilders. The company has over 35 years of uninterrupted expertise in marine and offshore solar protection.
