Solar Solve Ltd was selected to supply a combination of SOLASAFE® anti-glare screens and Ziptrak® blackout blind systems for a six-vessel offshore wind Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) newbuild programme constructed by Strategic Marine.
In total, Solar Solve supplied 162 specialist marine blind systems across the programme, supporting both operational and accommodation requirements throughout the fleet.
Designed to operate in demanding offshore environments, the vessels required shading solutions capable of supporting safe bridge operations, effective light control and crew comfort throughout onboard accommodation spaces.
The Challenge:
Crew Transfer Vessels operate year-round in exposed marine environments where bridge personnel can be subjected to intense sunlight, reflected glare from the sea surface and rapidly changing weather conditions.
At the same time, crew accommodation areas require effective light control to support rest periods, privacy and crew wellbeing during offshore operations.
The vessel operator required shading systems that would:
- Reduce solar glare within operational areas
- Maintain clear outward visibility from the wheelhouse
- Improve comfort within accommodation spaces
- Provide reliable performance in a demanding marine environment
- Integrate seamlessly into a modern vessel design
The Solution and Installation:
Solar Solve supplied a combination of SOLASAFE® anti-glare screens and Ziptrak® blackout blind systems to meet the differing requirements throughout the vessels.
SOLASAFE® Anti-Glare Screens
SOLASAFE® anti-glare screens were installed within operational areas where visibility and glare reduction were critical.
Benefits included:
- Reduced solar glare and eye strain
- Excellent outward visibility
- Improved bridge comfort
- Proven performance in marine environments
- Type Approved marine solution
Ziptrak® Blackout Blind Systems
Ziptrak® blackout blind systems were installed in selected accommodation and internal spaces where effective light control and crew comfort were required.
Unlike conventional roller blinds, Ziptrak® combines a patented side spline retention system with a patented spring balancing mechanism. The side spline system securely retains the fabric within specially designed side channels, helping to minimise light ingress around the blind edges, while the spring balancing mechanism provides smooth, effortless operation throughout the life of the system.
Benefits included:
- Improved blackout performance
- Reduced light bleed around blind edges
- Patented side spline system providing secure fabric retention and enhanced light control
- Patented spring balancing system for effortless operation
- Smooth and controlled movement
- Enhanced crew comfort and privacy
- Suitable for demanding marine environments
Project Scope
Vessel Type: Offshore Wind Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs)
Number of Vessels: 6
Products Supplied:
- 78 SOLASAFE® Anti-Glare Screens
- 84 Ziptrak® Blackout Blind Systems
- 162 blind systems supplied across the vessel programme
Per Vessel:
- 13 SOLASAFE® Anti-Glare Screens
- 14 Ziptrak® Blackout Blind Systems
Supporting Offshore Wind Operations
The vessels were constructed as part of an offshore wind support vessel programme designed to operate within the growing renewable energy sector.
Solar Solve has confirmed that two of the vessels within the programme entered service from Scarborough, North Yorkshire, supporting offshore wind operations in UK waters. Strategic Marine also advised that the end customer had a preference for UK-manufactured components, resulting in the selection of Solar Solve’s marine shading systems.
As is often the case with commercial vessel projects, details relating to the final deployment of all vessels within the programme have not been publicly disclosed.
The Result:
By supplying both SOLASAFE® anti-glare screens and Ziptrak® blackout blind systems, Solar Solve provided a complete shading solution tailored to the differing operational and accommodation requirements throughout the vessels.
The project highlights Solar Solve’s capability to support shipbuilders with specialist marine shading solutions that improve both bridge visibility and onboard crew comfort while meeting the demanding requirements of modern offshore operations.
Why Solar Solve?
For more than 30 years, Solar Solve has supplied specialist marine shading solutions to the global maritime industry.
With over 200,000 screens installed on more than 20,000 vessels and locations worldwide, Solar Solve products continue to be trusted by shipbuilders, vessel operators and marine professionals across commercial, offshore, naval and specialist marine sectors.
To learn more about Solar Solve’s full range of SOLASAFE® and ZIPTRAK® solutions click here:
👉 Solasafe | Anti-Glare Roller Screens by Solar Solve
👉 Ziptrak | Blackout Blinds by Solar Solve
To speak to our team to find your regional Partner:
👉 Contact Us – Solasolv
