August 5, 2025
Eco Marine Power Co., Ltd., based in Fukuoka, Japan, has begun testing the updated Aquarius Marine Solar Power system on a bulk cargo ship.
These trials, scheduled to run for 12 to 18 months, aim to evaluate the system’s performance and reliability under real-world maritime conditions, as part of broader efforts to reduce emissions in the shipping sector. The first solar module technology to be evaluated is from Merlin Solar Technologies Inc.
The solar panels were fitted by Aries Marine to specially design frames previously installed on the ship. Further equipment will be installed during the following months including additional and different types of PV module technologies from other manufacturers.
We are excited to announce the latest deployment of our ship solar power solution, now enhanced with an upgraded performance management system. We also welcome the participation of Merlin Solar in this important project, which advances the evaluation of zero-emission power technologies for ships
… said Greg Atkinson, President & Founder of Eco Marine Power.
Bob Brainard, Chief Product Officer and Founder of Merlin Solar, stated that their panels had consistently delivered reliable performance across a range of marine environments, including recreational and defense vessels. He also viewed the collaboration as a significant step toward supporting the maritime industry’s transition to more sustainable energy sources.
To remind, the Blue Marlin, a dry goods vessel owned by Salzgitter AG, was officially named at a ceremony in Hamburg in July, becoming the world’s first hybrid solar-powered inland shipping vessel.
