Solar Solve Marine successfully fulfilled a major contract for BAE Systems, supplying SOLASAFE® anti glare roller screens for Type 45 Daring Class destroyers operated by the UK Royal Navy. The project reinforces Solar Solve’s position as a trusted supplier of marine-grade anti-glare solutions, delivered through its specialist marine solutions division.
Installed at the wheelhouse windows of the first two vessels in the class, the SOLASAFE® screens were specified to reduce glare, solar heat, and ultraviolet (UV) light—critical factors affecting bridge visibility and navigator performance.
Project Overview: Type 45 Daring Class Destroyer Programme
The Type 45 destroyers were commissioned to replace the ageing Type 42 fleet, which had been in service since the late 1970s. A total of six vessels were contracted, with BAE Systems Marine acting as the prime contractor.
Construction took place at BAE Systems’ Scotstoun shipyard, while key structural components, including bow sections, masts, and funnels—were assembled by Vosper Thorneycroft in Portsmouth.
- HMS Daring (first-of-class):
- Construction began: March 2003
- Launched: February 2006
- Entered service: December 2009
- HMS Dauntless (second vessel):
- Construction began: August 2004
- Launched: January 2007
Each destroyer displaces approximately 8,000 tonnes, achieves speeds exceeding 27 knots, and has an operational range of over 7,000 nautical miles.
Why SOLASAFE® Anti Glare Roller Screens for BAE Systems Were Selected
The SOLASAFE® anti glare roller screens act as a Navigation Safety Aid, improving both internal and external visibility under challenging lighting conditions. On advanced warships such as the Type 45 destroyers, bridge crews must clearly view electronic navigation displays while simultaneously maintaining unobstructed external sightlines.
Key performance benefits include:
- Reduction of direct sun glare and reflected light
- Effective solar heat rejection
- Protection against UV exposure
- Enhanced readability of ECDIS and bridge instrumentation
- Improved visibility in bright, icy, or high-contrast conditions
These benefits directly support safer navigation, particularly in high-speed or high-threat operational environments.
For broader maritime applications, similar glare-reduction challenges are addressed across commercial and defence fleets, as outlined in Solar Solve’s guide on how to reduce sun glare on a ship’s bridge.
Type Approval and Regulatory Alignment
Manufactured in South Shields, UK, SOLASAFE® roller screens are type approved by DNV-GL, Lloyd’s Register, and ABS. Their use aligns with current legislation governing navigation bridge environmental conditions, where controlling glare and luminance contrast is recognised as essential for navigational safety.
This makes SOLASAFE® a proven solution not only for naval vessels, but also for commercial shipping, offshore assets, and specialist marine applications covered within Solar Solve’s wider marine window blind solutions.
Supporting Long-Term Naval Programmes and MOD Requirements
Solar Solve Marine’s appointment as an approved supplier to the UK Ministry of Defence reflects long-term confidence in both product performance and manufacturing quality.
Commenting on the project, Solar Solve’s Operations Director highlighted the importance of continuity and reliability in defence procurement, noting that the Type 45 programme had been in development for several years prior to the delivery of the first shipsets.
This long-standing collaboration mirrors Solar Solve’s involvement in other high-profile marine installations, including major container ships and gas carriers featured across its marine project case studies.
SOLASAFE® as a Navigation Safety Aid
Beyond this specific project, SOLASAFE® anti glare roller screens continue to play a vital role in:
- Reducing navigator fatigue
- Supporting compliance with bridge design guidelines
- Enhancing situational awareness in all daylight conditions
These principles align closely with broader industry discussions around safety at sea and fatigue mitigation on modern vessels.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are SOLASAFE® anti glare roller screens?
SOLASAFE® anti glare roller screens are marine-certified window screens designed to reduce solar glare, heat, and UV light on ship bridges while maintaining clear external visibility. Learn more about the SOLASAFE® system on the dedicated SOLASAFE® product page.
2. Why are anti-glare screens important on naval vessels?
Naval vessels operate in high-risk environments where clear visibility of both electronic displays and the external horizon is critical for navigation, threat detection, and safety.
3. Are SOLASAFE® screens approved for military and commercial use?
Yes. SOLASAFE® screens are type approved by major classification societies, including DNV-GL, Lloyd’s Register, and ABS, making them suitable for naval and commercial vessels.
4. Can SOLASAFE® screens be used on other types of ships?
Absolutely. SOLASAFE® is widely used across commercial shipping, offshore vessels, and specialist marine applications requiring reliable glare control, including projects featured within Solar Solve’s broader marine sector expertise.
