November 2020 marked a major milestone in gas carrier construction with the scheduled handover of PANG TIAN, the world’s largest Very Large Ethane Carrier (VLEC). Built at Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) in Busan, South Korea, this prototype vessel is the first of three sister ships ordered by Zhejiang Satellite Petrochemical and chartered from Malaysian owner MISC on a 15-year agreement.
As vessel size and bridge complexity increase, visibility and crew safety become even more critical. The installation of roller sunscreens for VLEC vessels plays a vital role in ensuring safe navigation, glare control, and crew comfort on these record-breaking ships.
Solar Solve Marine’s Role in Record-Breaking VLEC Projects
South Shields–based manufacturer Solar Solve Marine is proud to have contributed to this landmark project. PANG TIAN and its sister vessels PANG XIN and XIN REN are each fitted with SOLASAFE® roller sunscreens across all 20 navigation bridge windows.
These roller sunscreens for VLEC operations function as a critical navigation safety aid by:
- Reducing solar glare on bridge windows
- Blocking infrared heat build-up
- Filtering harmful ultraviolet radiation
- Maintaining clear outward visibility
Learn more about bridge glare-control systems: Marine Solar Blinds & Marine Solutions
Why Roller Sunscreens Are Essential on Very Large Ethane Carriers
Enhancing Bridge Visibility on Long-Distance Gas Routes
VLECs operate on fixed, long-haul routes where vessels may sail directly into low-angle sun for extended periods. Without effective glare control, bridge teams face:
- Reduced readability of ECDIS and radar displays
- Increased eye strain during long watches
- Higher fatigue-related human error risk
Roller sunscreens for VLEC bridges help enhance sailor alertness with marine solar window coverings while preserving compliance with IMO visibility expectations.
Technical Overview of the VLEC Fleet
All three vessels in the series share identical specifications:
- Deadweight: 62,367 dwt
- Length: 230 metres
- Beam: 36.5 metres
- Depth: 22.4 metres
- Engine power: 21,563 horsepower
- Gas cargo capacity: 96,040 m³
- Estimated cost per vessel: USD 122 million
Protecting high-value bridge equipment on assets of this scale makes glare- and heat-control systems a prudent operational investment.
Explore equipment protection solutions: Cassette Roller Blinds
Supporting Crew Well-Being and Fatigue Management
Extended watchkeeping, intense sunlight, and heat accumulation can significantly affect crew performance. Installing roller sunscreens for VLEC vessels helps to:
- Combat crew fatigue using marine solar blinds
- Improve onboard well-being with sun-control marine blinds
- Support maritime safety by reducing fatigue with solar blinds
A cooler, glare-controlled bridge environment directly supports safer decision-making and sustained alertness.
Industry Perspective on Ethane Carriers
Commenting on the significance of these vessels, John Lightfoot MBE, Chairman of Solar Solve Marine, noted:
“Apparently, ethane is seen to have a good future in global choice of cleaner fuels, and whilst shipbuilders have been constructing general LPG carriers for decades, these vessels are specially designed to carry ethane gas cargoes.”
Ethane is increasingly recognised as a lower-emissions feedstock, reinforcing the importance of efficient and crew-focused vessel design.
South Korean Shipbuilding Resilience
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, South Korea’s shipbuilding industry continued to deliver complex projects on schedule.
John Lightfoot added:
“It speaks volumes for the people, the South Korean nation, and those allied to shipbuilding, that they are managing to get most vessels delivered on, or before, their scheduled delivery dates.”
A Proud Contribution to Global Shipping Innovation
For Solar Solve Marine, being selected to supply roller sunscreens for VLEC vessels of this scale reinforces the company’s reputation for supporting:
- Advanced ship designs
- Global shipyards and owners
- High-specification navigation safety requirements
Since 1987, Solar Solve has supplied glare-control systems to thousands of vessels worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why are roller sunscreens important on VLEC vessels?
They reduce glare and heat on the bridge, improving visibility, reducing fatigue, and supporting safe navigation on long-distance ethane routes.
Do roller sunscreens obstruct outward visibility?
No. High-quality marine roller sunscreens are designed to reduce glare while maintaining a clear outward view.
Are these systems suitable for newbuild VLECs only?
No. Roller sunscreens can be installed on both newbuilds and retrofits.
Do roller sunscreens help protect bridge equipment?
Yes. By reducing heat and UV exposure, they help extend the lifespan of sensitive electronic navigation systems.
Are SOLASAFE® sunscreens compliant with marine standards?
They are widely used on commercial vessels and designed to support IMO visibility and safety expectations.
Conclusion: Roller Sunscreens for VLEC Safety and Performance
The installation of roller sunscreens for VLEC vessels such as PANG TIAN demonstrates how modern glare-control solutions contribute to navigation safety, crew well-being, and operational efficiency on the world’s most advanced gas carriers.
As vessel sizes grow and routes extend, investing in proven solar control systems becomes an essential part of responsible ship design.
To discuss glare-control solutions for newbuilds or retrofits, visit: https://solasolv.com/
