5 juni 2024
MS Helios
The 135-metre long MS Helios combines advanced technology with sustainability and sets a new standard in inland shipping. From an early stage, Van Tiem Elektro has been involved in thinking about innovative solutions such as electric propulsion and battery storage. We are proud of our contributions, from hardware designs and software design to the complete installation.

The customer question
The client asked us for an innovative and sustainable vessel with a low draft. The result: the 135-metre MS Helios, built for HGK Dry Bulk Shipping, which combines groundbreaking technologies and sustainable energy solutions.
With 312 solar panels on the hatches covering the hold, the MS Helios sets a world record for the largest solar panel surface on an inland vessel!
Our Advice
From the beginning we thought about the electric propulsion and energy storage. The project included the selection of generator and thruster powers and positions, hardware designs, software designs, commissioning and final approval.
In close consultation with the shipyard and the end customer, we made various system proposals, tailored to the sailing profile. Our knowledge of materials and “Power Management” played a crucial role in optimizing the power requirements during various sailing stages, from powerful approach to quiet manoeuvring in harbours.
Advanced Power Management
Our tailor-made Power Management system allows us to precisely control power levels:
Loaded ascent: High power
Empty Departure: Low Power
Manoeuvring in ports: Short peak powers
The combination of generators and electric motors for propulsion even allows the MS Helios to sail “silently”, with minimal noise pollution. The propulsion network also feeds the 400Vac on-board network via a grid converter, eliminating the need for an additional generator. Inland shipping is already one of the most environmentally friendly ways to transport bulk goods. Thanks to solar energy, the ship is less dependent on shore power and saves around 10% on fuel consumption.
Technical Highlights
Total installed thruster power: 2.3 MegaWatt
Total installed generator capacity: 1.72 MegaWatt
Total installed PV capacity: 117 kWp
Total installed Lithium battery capacity: 109.2 kWh
Our choice of Permanent Magnet (PM) electric motors and water-cooled frequency converters ensures a very high efficiency, while the 48Vdc Lithium battery set with its own Battery Management System (BMS) guarantees reliable energy storage.
