Sikania II Hybrid launched in Greece

Sikania II Hybrid, a hybrid roll-on/roll-off passenger (RoPax) vessel set to greenify passenger travel between Villa San Giovanni (Reggio Calabria) and Messina, Italy, has been launched in Greece.

The launching ceremony was held at Kanellos Bros shipyard in Perama on July 18, 2024.

Designed by Greek naval architects C.T.E. Perdikaris Engineering, Architectural & Technical Services and built in Greece by Celt under RINA surveillance, the vessel is said to represent a ‘significant leap forward’ in sustainable maritime technology.

Being built for Italian maritime transportation company Bluferries, the newbuild features a hybrid propulsion system that 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.

Similar in size and capability to the Sikania II Hybrid RoRo 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.

As explained, 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.

“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,” Sabrina De Filippis, CEO of Mercitalia Logistics, commented.

“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”.

“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,” Giuseppe Sciumè, CEO of Bluferries, said.

Theano Perdikaris, CEO of C.T.E. Perdikaris, added that the project showcases the potential of hybrid technology in reducing the maritime industry’s carbon footprint.

“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,” Giosuè Vezzuto, Marine Executive Vice President at RINA, concluded.