Sea trials have begun for a hybrid wind and solar energy system installed aboard the container ship Helgafell as part of the European WHISPER project. The equipment was installed in Aarhus, Denmark, and testing started as the vessel crossed the North Atlantic before arriving in Iceland on August 24. Project partners said the system is designed to reduce emissions from the ship’s auxiliary engines.

The installation combines horizontal wind turbines developed by SideWind with custom photovoltaic panels from Solbian. The turbines are fitted inside modified shipping containers, while solar panels are mounted on their roofs. According to project coordinator Verkís, the modular arrangement is intended for retrofitting existing vessels while requiring limited modifications to the ship.