In September 2024, the Voyage Planner for Holland America Line’s cruise ship ms Nieuw Statendam contacted Solar Solve Marine to request a survey and quotation. The project required a high-performance shading solution capable of reducing glare and solar heat gain while ensuring reliable operation on steeply angled bridge windows.
Designed specifically for demanding maritime environments, Solar Solve’s marine solar blinds improve visibility for bridge crews, enhance onboard comfort and contribute to reduced air conditioning loads.
The Challenge:
Because the ship was operating a busy Mediterranean itinerary, an immediate in person survey was not possible. To keep the project moving, Solar Solve’s technical team worked closely with the onboard crew, providing detailed guidance so accurate measurements could be taken remotely. This allowed an initial quotation and system design to be prepared.
Solar Solve was then selected to supply and install specialist marine window blinds for the navigation bridge of Holland America Line’s cruise ship ms Nieuw Statendam.
When ms Nieuw Statendam later scheduled a port call in Newcastle in May 2025, Solar Solve carried out a verification survey. During this inspection it became clear that the existing marine blinds used a side chain operating system with retrofitted guide cables intended to control movement across the bridge’s steeply raked windows.
The vessel therefore required a more robust and purpose designed system of sunblinds for ships, capable of operating smoothly on angled glazing while remaining stable during vessel motion.
The Solution:
To address these challenges, Solar Solve recommended upgrading to its Double Pulley Constant Tension System, a proven solution widely used across ship bridges and navigation areas.
This advanced system keeps the blind under constant tension, reducing movement caused by vessel motion while maintaining smooth and reliable operation. These marine solar blinds are specifically engineered for shipboard use where reliability and safety are critical.
The system performs optimally on window slopes of up to 15°. As the bridge windows on ms Nieuw Statendam exceeded this angle, additional stabilisation was required.
To ensure optimal performance:
- Stainless steel cable guides were integrated to stabilise the blinds on steeper window angles
- Solar Solve’s specialist angle brackets were used to mount the system correctly on the bridge glazing
- The configuration ensured precise alignment and reliable operation under marine conditions
The result was a durable installation of marine window blinds designed specifically for the unique demands of bridge environments where glare reduction and visibility are essential.
Installation:
Installation was scheduled during the vessel’s port call in Liverpool, UK, in August 2025.
With the ship arriving at 08:00 and departing at 19:00, the Solar Solve team needed to complete the entire installation within a single port window.
Technicians travelled the evening before to ensure immediate access once boarding was permitted. Passenger disembarkation delayed boarding until approximately 10:30, leaving a compressed working window.
Despite the tight schedule, the installation proceeded efficiently. The existing blinds were removed while the new marine sunscreens and bridge sunblinds were installed sequentially across the navigation bridge.
By 17:30, all new Solar Solve systems had been successfully installed and fully operational.
The Result:
The completed project delivered a stable, tensioned blind system designed specifically for steeply angled ship bridge windows.
The combination of the Double Pulley Constant Tension System, cable guides and Solar Solve’s angle bracket mounting solution significantly reduces blind movement during sailing while maintaining smooth and reliable operation.
These high performance marine window sunshades now provide:
- Improved glare reduction for bridge visibility
- Lower solar heat gain on the navigation bridge
- Increased comfort for crew members
- A durable shading system designed for long term maritime use
As a result, ms Nieuw Statendam now benefits from professionally engineered sunblinds for ships that enhance both safety and working conditions on the bridge.
Client Feedback:
Captain Visser, ms Nieuw Statendam
“The service was great and the screens are performing as expected.”
This project demonstrates Solar Solve Marine’s ability to deliver specialist marine blinds and marine solar blinds for cruise ships operating under tight operational schedules.
Through a combination of remote technical support, on site verification and carefully planned installation, Solar Solve delivered a premium system of marine window blinds engineered specifically for steep bridge glazing and demanding maritime environments.
For vessels requiring reliable marine sunscreens, roller blinds for boats or specialist sunblinds for ships, Solar Solve continues to provide proven solutions trusted across the global maritime industry.
To learn more about Solar Solve’s full range of SOLASOLV® and ROLASOLV® solutions click here:
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