Cargo Vessel Helios Harnesses the Power of the Sun to Set a World Record
Operated by HGK Shipping for ADM, the cargo vessel Helios is breaking new ground with its commitment to sustainability. Equipped with over 312 solar panels installed by Wattlab, the Helios has been officially recognized by the Guinness World Records, the global authority on record-breaking achievements, for featuring the world's largest solar module structure on an inland waterway vessel.
The new world record was celebrated at a special ceremony in Rotterdam during World Port Days on Sept. 6, 2024. The event was attended by project partners HGK Shipping, Blommaert, and Wattlab, as well as city dignitaries. Godmother of Helios, Anja Grimske Fuchs, who is Manager Operation, Execution & Logistics for Oilseeds at ADM, also attended the event. She noted, "It is a true honor to serve as the godmother of this extraordinary ship. Celebrating this new milestone is incredibly exciting, and I am proud to be a part of this unique project."
Following it's naming ceremony and maiden voyage earlier in the year, the Helios will mainly transport rapeseed to Germany for ADM. Carsten Radau, Transportation Manager EMEA at ADM said, "Helios is an important step towards ensuring security of supply for our production facilities while minimizing our environmental footprint."
Meet the Helios
• Impressive Dimensions: Helios measures 135 meters in length and 11.45 meters in width, providing 5,570 cubic meters of cargo hold space—ideal for transporting dry goods—such as rapeseed for ADM.
• Solar-Powered Innovation: The vessel features 27 hatch covers equipped with solar panels manufactured by Blommaert. These panels generate up to 90 megawatt-hours of electricity per year, powering the vessel's operations and saving up to 90 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
• Symbolism in Design: The vessel's name, Helios, is inspired by the Greek Sun God, symbolizing its solar-powered capabilities. The color yellow, representing the sun, is a prominent feature in the vessel's design.
A Partnership for Innovation and Sustainability
This project is a testament to how innovation and sustainability can work together to modernize inland waterway shipping.
Steffen Bauer, CEO of HGK Shipping, stated, "The world record is something special, but of course it's not an end in itself. We need to look at how we can promote climate protection and the use of renewable sources of energy, not just as a logistics industry, but in society as a whole. The power of the sun offers an ideal starting point for this and we’ve pursued this idea in the design of this vessel."
Max Barghahn, Head of Transportation EMEA, ADM, added, "This record is a milestone that demonstrates sustainable innovations in the transport industry are not only possible but also practical and efficient. It validates ADM's strategy to make freight transport more environmentally friendly."
Carsten Radau, Transportation Manager EMEA at ADM said, "We are proud of this world record, which underscores our leadership in sustainable logistics. It clearly shows what can be achieved when technology and sustainability go hand in hand."