Bluferries, the
company of the FS Italiane
Group’s Polo Logistica operating in maritime transportation in the
Strait of Messina, Italy, C.T.E. Perdikaris Engineering, Architectural &
Technical Services Ltd., and RINA, a multinational inspection, certification,
and engineering consultancy, announce the launch of a state-of-the-art hybrid
Ro-Ro passenger ship, Sikania II Hybrid. This innovative vessel is set to
revolutionize passenger travel between Villa San Giovanni (Reggio Calabria) and
Messina, Italy. Designed by the Greek company C.T.E. Perdikaris and built in
Greece by Celt under RINA surveillance, this vessel represents a significant
leap forward in sustainable maritime technology.
At the heart of
this new vessel lies its cutting-edge hybrid propulsion system, a testament to
Bluferries' commitment to environmental stewardship and operational efficiency.
The hybrid system seamlessly integrates traditional diesel engines with
advanced 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.
Crafted with
precision by C.T.E. Perdikaris, the new ferry features a sleek and modern
design that enhances both performance and passenger comfort. Similar in size
and capability to the "Sikania II Hybrid" Ro-Ro ferry of the company,
this vessel measures approximately 105 meters in length and boasts a gross
tonnage of 4,100 GT. It is designed to transport 22 heavy vehicles or 125 cars
and 400 persons, offering ample space and advanced amenities for passengers and
cargo alike.
The true
innovation of this vessel lies in its use of green technologies. The ship is
equipped with four azimuth thrusters Z-drive, 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.
The vessel is energy-independent, featuring an advanced energy management
system. 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 maneuvering, loading, and unloading
operations. Additionally, solar panels fitted on board provide 25kW of power,
supplying all ship accommodation services.
Sabrina De
Filippis, CEO of 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 26 million euros, partly financed with funds from the National
Plan for Complementary Investments to the PNRR, and will be added to the 5 that
already operate in the Strait".
Giuseppe Sciumè,
CEO of Bluferries commented, “Bluferries
remains at the forefront of maritime innovation with our new hybrid Ro-Ro
vessel, developed in collaboration with C.T.E. 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 of C.T.E. 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,” said. “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 endeavor was the involvement
of RINA, which proved its commitment to the maritime green transition."
Giosuè Vezzuto,
Marine Executive Vice President at 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
decarbonization 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.”