Solar Solve Marine, based in South Shields, UK, has successfully dispatched its first order of marine screens for KD LEKIR to the Royal Malaysian Navy. The project was secured through Solar Solve’s authorised regional distributor in Malaysia, following a competitive tender process against established global suppliers.
The SOLASOLV® world-class marine screens will be installed across all wheelhouse windows on KD LEKIR, delivering effective control of solar glare, heat, and ultraviolet (UV) light—critical factors for navigation safety and bridge efficiency. The project further strengthens Solar Solve’s presence within the global marine sector.
Vessel Background: KD LEKIR Kasturi Class Frigate
KD LEKIR is one of two German-built Kasturi class frigates delivered to the Royal Malaysian Navy in the early 1980s. The vessel was selected for the Navy’s Service Life Extension Programme (SLEP), an initiative designed to extend the operational life of selected fleet assets by approximately ten years.
As part of this modernisation programme, KD LEKIR is receiving:
- Advanced marine screens for navigation bridge windows
- Radar system upgrades
- Fire control system enhancements
These upgrades are intended to improve operational readiness while aligning legacy platforms with modern performance and safety standards.
Why SOLASOLV® Marine Screens for KD LEKIR Were Selected
The marine screens installed on KD LEKIR are designed to function as a Navigation Safety Aid, ensuring clear visibility of both external conditions and internal electronic displays under intense sunlight.
Key benefits include:
- Reduction of direct solar glare
- Rejection of solar heat and UV radiation
- Improved contrast for radar and navigation displays
- Enhanced crew comfort during extended operations
Such performance characteristics are especially important for naval vessels operating in tropical climates, where glare and heat can significantly impact navigator performance. Similar operational challenges are addressed across Solar Solve’s solutions for BAE Systems Type 45 Destroyers.
Supporting Naval Modernisation in Southeast Asia
The KD LEKIR project represents a significant milestone for Solar Solve Marine in Southeast Asia, reflecting growing confidence in UK-manufactured marine safety products. The successful supply of SOLASOLV® marine screens positions Solar Solve to support future naval and commercial projects within the region.
This approach mirrors Solar Solve’s involvement in other complex marine installations, including large-scale container vessels and advanced gas carriers featured within its global marine project portfolio.
Building Trusted Partnerships Through Local Representation
Solar Solve’s Managing Director highlighted the importance of strong regional partnerships in securing the Malaysian Navy contract. After extensive efforts to identify the right representative, Solar Solve partnered with a distributor demonstrating technical competence, market understanding, and long-term commitment to the brand.
This distributor-led model aligns with Solar Solve’s broader strategy for expanding specialist marine solutions through experienced local partners while maintaining consistent product quality and technical support.
Marine Screens as a Navigation Safety Aid
Across naval and commercial fleets, marine screens play a critical role in bridge safety, helping crews manage glare, reduce eye strain, and maintain situational awareness. These benefits directly support wider maritime safety objectives, including fatigue reduction and compliance with bridge design standards.
These considerations are closely aligned with industry discussions on safety at sea and the human factors influencing navigational performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are marine screens for KD LEKIR designed to achieve?
The marine screens installed on KD LEKIR are designed to reduce glare, heat, and UV exposure on the navigation bridge while maintaining clear external visibility.
2. Why are marine screens important for naval vessels in tropical regions?
High solar intensity increases glare and heat buildup on bridge windows, which can impair visibility and accelerate crew fatigue. Marine screens help mitigate these risks.
3. Are SOLASOLV® marine screens suitable for other naval and commercial ships?
Yes. SOLASOLV® marine screens are widely used across naval, commercial, and offshore vessels requiring reliable glare and heat control, as outlined in Solar Solve’s solar blind solutions for marine environments.
4. Can these marine screens be retrofitted during refit programmes?
Absolutely. Marine screens are commonly installed during refits, upgrades, and Service Life Extension Programmes to enhance safety without major structural changes.
