A sophisticated and complex derivative of a normal roller blind, the SOLASAFE roller screen construction consists of a range of highly effective solar shade films that are only some 125 microns thick yet re made up of multiple layers of polyester film, dyes, a micro layer of aluminium and, just included on the grey/grey film, a micro layer of hard acrylic scratch resisting material. The screens aid navigational safety as they can be brought into use instantly when required or retracted s sudden changes in weather conditions dictate.

Built by Ulstein Werft, the 130m long and 28m wide Normand Seven is the yard's biggest vessel to date and its first pure offshore production vessel. Designed by Norway's Vik-Sandvik, the ship can undertake subsea maintenance and installation, umbilical and flexi pipelay work, ROV support and much more with its dynamic positioning system.

Owned by Solstad Shipping, the vessel has been chartered by Subsea 7 for eight years, the first two of which are underway laying flexible production pipes at depths of up to 2,000m off the coast of Brazil.

Solar Solve’s SOLASOLV products were supplied for the wheelhouse windows to protect staff from heat, glare and uv radiation from the sun. Rejection rates are high and result in HVAC power savings as well as employee protection.

John Lightfoot, Solar Solve’s 'hairman said, “We have been supplying our products to the Norwegian shipyards for 20 years. They are often integrated into vessel designs by consultants like Vik-Sandvik, who are aware of the exceptional benefits the screens bring and the advantages that will ultimately result for their customers and the end users.'