Crew transfer vessels require navigation bridge window fittings that meet IMO SOLAS requirements. This guide covers the specific solar challenges CTV bridges face, the correct SOLASOLVĀ® specification, and the Type Approval credentials required for CTV compliance.
| Solar Glare Reduction | Solar Heat Rejection | UV Light Rejection | Outward Visibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 93% | Up to 87% | Up to 99% | Fully Maintained |
- Long North Sea summer daylight periods create sustained low-angle glare on forward-facing CTV bridge windows during morning and evening runs
- Turbine approach manoeuvres require the master's complete forward visibility ā glare at this moment is a direct operational safety risk
- Open-sea reflected glare from the water surface compounds direct solar glare throughout the operational day in moderate to high sea states
- CTV masters on multi-day rotations accumulate solar fatigue across the full rotation ā sustained exposure is a crew health and alertness issue
ā Standard opaque blinds are NOT suitable for CTV navigation bridge use ā they block the outward view the master needs at all times.
CTVs are commercial vessels subject to IMO SOLAS regulations. Navigation bridge window fittings must be confirmed by Type Approval from a recognised classification society.
SOLASOLVĀ® holds all four leading Type Approvals simultaneously:
| Classification Society | CTV Relevance | Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Lloyd's Register | UK-flagged CTVs in UK offshore wind environments | May 2001 |
| DNV | Benchmark for offshore sector and North Sea vessels | July 2002 |
| ABS | Internationally flagged CTVs entering offshore wind markets | Sep 2001 |
| RINA | EU-flagged CTVs in European offshore wind markets including Baltic and North Sea | Confirmed |
All four certificates available to download at solasolv.com/downloads/
| Product | Format | Best For | CTV Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOLASAFEĀ® | Cassette-mounted | Newbuild ā¢ Professional retrofit | Self-contained cassette protects screen from salt spray when retracted. Clean integrated finish. 7-year guarantee. |
| SOLAROLAĀ® | Non-cassette | Retrofit on CTVs in service | Same Type Approved SOLASOLVĀ® material. Straightforward installation during a scheduled port stop. |
- Vessel classification society confirmed and Type Approval requirement identified
- SOLASAFEĀ® cassette screens specified for navigation bridge windows (preferred newbuild format)
- Window drawings from the shipyard provided to Solar Solve for review before manufacture
- Non-standard window shapes confirmed ā CTV forward-facing windows often have specific recess configurations
- Required delivery date confirmed and matched to the CTV build or refit schedule
- Type Approval certificates from all four classification societies requested and available
- Product data sheets confirming 93% glare reduction, 87% heat rejection, 99% UV rejection
- Installation guides for the cassette format available for the installation team
- Documentation package confirmed for inclusion in the vessel's classification compliance file
- ROLASOLVĀ® IMO FTP Code fabric blinds specified separately for any crew accommodation areas
- Solar Solve Marine is based in South Shields on the River Tyne ā at the heart of the UK offshore industry supply chain in the North Sea.
- SOLASOLVĀ® screens have been supplied to offshore construction vessels, platform supply vessels, FPSOs, and offshore crane installations across the North Sea and internationally.
- Solar Solve manufactures every screen to order and can supply on a phased delivery schedule matched to the CTV build programme.
Drawing review ā¢ Product selection ā¢ Type Approval documentation ā¢ Phased delivery
sales@solasolv.com ā¢ +44 191 454 8595 ā¢ solasolv.com/offshore/
