South Shields-based Solar Solve Marine recently supplied another two shipsets of their brand-leading SOLASOLV solar shades for US Navy ships through their authorised US distributor. These solar shades were installed on Lewis and Clark-class underway replenishment ships, vessels traditionally named to honour legendary US pioneers and explorers.
The installations help reduce glare, heat, and UV exposure at the wheelhouse windows, creating a safer and more comfortable working environment for the ship’s crew. For broader marine applications, Solar Solve provides a full range of marine solar blinds suitable for defence and commercial fleets.
Lewis and Clark-Class Replenishment Ships
The USNS Wally Schirra, constructed at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego, California, honours Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo astronaut and former Navy test pilot Wally Schirra, who served in both World War II and the Korean War.
This 689-foot cargo ship is capable of delivering up to 10,000 tons of ammunition, food, fuel, and supplies to other vessels in the US Navy fleet and allied ships at sea. It was delivered in September and christened by Schirra’s widow, Josephine, at a naming ceremony in March.
The USNS Carl Brashear, vessel number seven in the series, was delivered earlier in the year and named in honour of Master Chief Boatswain’s Mate (Master Diver) Carl M. Brashear, who served the US Navy for 31 years. This ship was also fitted with SOLASOLV solar shades for US Navy ships at the wheelhouse windows to improve safety and comfort for personnel.
Benefits of SOLASOLV Solar Shades for US Navy Ships
Enhancing Crew Safety and Comfort
The SOLASOLV solar shades provide critical benefits for naval bridge crews:
- Reduction of direct solar glare and reflected light
- Rejection of solar heat and UV radiation
- Improved visibility of navigation charts and bridge instrumentation
- Enhanced operational comfort during extended deployments
By improving bridge visibility and reducing eye strain, these solar shades act as a Navigation Safety Aid, ensuring personnel can perform their duties efficiently even in bright or high-contrast lighting conditions. Similar marine safety solutions are applied across other offshore projects.
Trusted Supplier to the US Navy
Company Chairman John Lightfoot commented:
“It is always good to get this kind of high-profile work. Having been awarded an initial contract some time ago from the US Navy we continue to impress them with the quality of our products and service. The relationship has been built up gradually, and I fully expect that as long as we work hard to meet all of their requirements, we will continue winning orders.”
This ongoing partnership highlights Solar Solve Marine’s reliability as a supplier of high-performance solar shades for US Navy ships, ensuring vessels operate safely and efficiently during missions worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are SOLASOLV solar shades for US Navy ships?
They are ABS Type-approved or classification-approved sunshades installed on naval bridge windows to reduce glare, heat, and UV exposure while enhancing crew safety and comfort.
2. Why are solar shades important for naval vessels?
Solar shades improve bridge visibility, reduce navigator fatigue, and act as a Navigation Safety Aid, allowing crews to operate effectively in high-glare or bright environments.
3. Can SOLASOLV solar shades be used on other types of ships?
Yes. SOLASOLV solar shades are widely applied across US Navy, commercial, and offshore vessels, providing reliable glare reduction and operational comfort.
4. Are these solar shades approved for military standards?
Yes. They are Type Approved by ABS and meet international standards for marine operational safety and crew protection.
