The Grand Port Maritime of Martinique (GPMLM), in collaboration with SolarinBlue, is set to launch the Caribbean’s first offshore floating solar installation near the Pointe des Grives container terminal in Fort-de-France Bay. The project, named Soley Blé, is part of the port’s broader decarbonization strategy, aiming to enhance energy autonomy and reduce carbon emissions while positioning Martinique as a sustainable port hub and a pilot territory for marine renewable energy in the region.
Soley Blé is expected to have an installed capacity of 1 to 4 MWp and will support operations at the container terminal once operational. The initiative underscores the port’s commitment to energy innovation, combining clean energy generation with operational efficiency. Technical, regulatory, and environmental studies are scheduled to begin in the fall to define the project’s final location and business model.
Founded in 2019, SolarinBlue specializes in offshore solar farms engineered to withstand harsh marine conditions. The company previously deployed Sun’Sète in the Mediterranean, the first offshore solar demonstrator capable of withstanding waves up to nine meters. SolarinBlue plans to expand globally, targeting ports, islands, and sites co-located with offshore wind projects, offering island regions an alternative to imported fossil fuels by generating clean, local energy without relying on limited coastal land.
The project also benefits from environmental research, with sampling missions conducted by the Observatoire Océanologique de Banyuls-sur-Mer to ensure sustainability and minimize ecological impact. Soley Blé represents a pioneering step in the Caribbean’s energy transition, demonstrating the potential of offshore solar technology for sustainable development.
