Bluferries, a subsidiary of the FS Italiane Group’s Polo Logistica operating in maritime transportation in the Strait of Messina, Italy, CTE Perdikaris Engineering, Architectural and Technical Services, and classification society RINA have launched a hybrid passenger ship, ‘Sikania II Hybrid’.
The vessel will operate between Villa San Giovanni (Reggio Calabria) and Messina, Italy. Designed by Greek company CTE Perdikaris and built in Greece by Celt under RINA surveillance, this vessel is said to represent a significant leap forward in sustainable maritime technology.
The hybrid propulsion system is designed to seamlessly integrate traditional diesel engines with electric propulsion, significantly reducing carbon emissions and fuel consumption. This dual approach not only enhances environmental sustainability by offering zero emissions at port during loading and unloading operations but also reduces fuel consumption during navigation, ensuring reliable and efficient service for passengers.
The vessel measures about 105m in length and, with tonnage of 4,100gt, can transport 22 heavy vehicles or 125 cars and 400 persons. It
is equipped with four azimuth Z-drive thrusters, each connected directly to one diesel engine of 1000kW and one electrical motor of 350kW. The electrical motors are connected to NMC batteries with an energy storage capacity of 1MWh. During navigation, the batteries can be charged through the electrical motors acting as shaft generators. The stored energy is used for hybrid propulsion, combining diesel engines and electric motors to supply power to the azimuth thrusters. When approaching port, the vessel operates on fully electric propulsion for zero emissions during all manoeuvring, loading, and unloading operations. Additionally, solar panels fitted on board provide 25kW of power, supplying all ship accommodation services.
Sabrina De Filippis, CEO Bluferries’ associated company Mercitalia Logistics said: “The launch of Bluferries’ new green ship represents a fundamental step in the renewal process of our fleet. Today we can see the result of our investments, with the delivery of this increasingly eco-sustainable vessel. Thanks to the hybrid propulsion it will allow a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions and ‘zero emissions at port’ during the arrival and departure phases. In the coming months it will be subjected to testing and, once towed into the strait, it will be definitively put into the water, inaugurated and renamed, in order to take full service in the first months of 2025. The new ship is the result of an investment of €26m, partly financed with funds from the National Plan for Complementary Investments to the PNRR, and will be added to the five that already operate in the strait”.
Giuseppe Sciumè, CEO Bluferries added: “Bluferries remains at the forefront of maritime innovation with our new hybrid ro-ro vessel, developed in collaboration with CTE Perdikaris and classed by RINA. This vessel meets high standards of efficiency and reliability, paving the way for greener maritime transport. Its inaugural voyage is set for early 2025, with regular services to follow. We plan to expand our hybrid fleet, reinforcing our position in eco-friendly maritime solutions. This launch enhances connectivity between Sicily’s key hubs. The Calabria-Sicily route will benefit from a faster, cleaner, and more reliable transportation option.”
Theano Perdikaris, CEO CTE Perdikaris said: “We have brought our extensive expertise to this project, ensuring the vessel meets stringent environmental standards while maintaining operational excellence. This project showcases the potential of hybrid technology in reducing the maritime industry’s carbon footprint. We are proud to partner with Bluferries in setting a new benchmark for sustainable marine transport. Our company, a pioneer in ship design and innovative solutions in Greece, embedding green technology, has designed a ship that meets the challenge from Bluferries Srl to deliver an avant-garde vessel with lower emissions footprint than her two sister vessels Trinacria and Sikania, cutting-edge in terms of environmental technology. Crucial to the success of this endeavour was the involvement of RINA, which proved its commitment to the maritime green transition.”
Giosuè Vezzuto, Marine EVP RINA concluded: “We are proud of the collaboration with Bluferries and CTE Perdikaris on this state-of-the-art hybrid vessel. This project represents a major step towards decarbonisation and exemplifies the synergy needed for a sustainable maritime future. It highlights the pioneering efforts and Greece’s pivotal role in advancing sustainable maritime practices. Together, through collaboration and innovation, we are steering towards a cleaner, more responsible worldwide maritime industry for future generations.”
Image: The new hybrid ro-ro ferry is a more sustainable sister ship to Bluferries’ existing ‘Sikania’ (source: Bluferries)
