Bluferries, the company of Polo Logistica of the FS Italiane Group operating in maritime transport in the Strait of Messina, Italy, CTE Perdikaris Engineering, Architectural & Technical Services and RINA, a multinational inspection, certification and engineering consultancy, announce the launch of a state-of-the-art hybrid Ro-Ro passenger vessel, Sikania II Hybrid. This innovative vessel will revolutionize passenger transport between Villa San Giovanni (Reggio Calabria) and Messina, Italy. Designed by the Greek company CTE Perdikaris and built in Greece by Celt under the supervision of RINA, this vessel represents a major step forward in sustainable maritime technology.

At the heart of this new vessel is the advanced 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 CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. This dual approach not only enhances environmental sustainability by delivering zero emissions in port during loading and unloading operations, but also reduces fuel consumption during navigation, ensuring a reliable and efficient service for passengers.

Precision-crafted by CTE Perdikaris, the new ferry features a sleek and modern design that enhances both performance and passenger comfort. Similar in size and capacity to the company’s Ro-Ro ferry “Sikania II Hybrid”, this vessel is approximately 105 meters long and has a gross tonnage of 4,100 GT. Designed to carry 22 heavy vehicles or 125 cars and 400 passengers, it offers ample space and advanced amenities for both passengers and cargo.

The real innovation of this vessel lies in the use of green technologies. The vessel is equipped with four azimuth thrusters Z-drive, each directly connected to a 1000 kW diesel engine and a 350 kW electric motor. The electric motors are connected to NMC batteries with an energy storage capacity of 1 MWh. The vessel is energy independent and has an advanced energy management system. During navigation, the batteries can be charged via the electric motors that act as shaft generators. The stored energy is used for hybrid propulsion, combining diesel engines and electric motors to power the azimuth thrusters. When approaching port, the vessel operates on full electric propulsion for zero emissions during all manoeuvring, loading and unloading operations. In addition, solar panels on board provide 25 kW of power, which supplies all accommodation services of the vessel.

Sabrina De Filippis, CEO of Mercitalia Logistics said, “the launch of Bluferries’ new green ship is 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 environmentally sustainable ship. Thanks to its hybrid propulsion, it will allow a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions and “zero emissions in port” during the arrival and departure phases. In the coming months, it will be tested and, once towed in the Strait, it will be definitively launched, inaugurated and renamed, to be fully put into 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 join the 5 already sailing in the Strait”.

Giuseppe Sciumè, CEO of Bluferries comment given, “Bluferries continues to lead the way in maritime innovation with our new hybrid Ro-Ro vessel, developed in partnership with CTE Perdikaris and classified by RINA. This vessel meets high standards of efficiency and reliability, paving the way for greener maritime transport. The maiden voyage is scheduled for early 2025, with regular services to follow. We plan to expand our hybrid fleet, strengthening our position in environmentally friendly maritime solutions. This launch will improve connectivity between Sicily’s main hubs. The Calabria-Sicily route will benefit from a faster, cleaner and more reliable transport option.”

Theano Perdikaris, CEO of CTE Sadness said: “We have brought our extensive expertise to this project, ensuring that the vessel meets stringent environmental standards while maintaining operational excellence. This project demonstrates the potential of hybrid technology in reducing the carbon footprint of the maritime industry,” he said. “We are proud to partner with Bluferries to set a new benchmark for sustainable maritime transport. Our company, a pioneer in ship design and innovative solutions in Greece, incorporating green technology, has designed a vessel that meets the challenge of Bluferries Srl to deliver an avant-garde vessel with a lower carbon footprint than its two sister ships Trinacria and Sikania, pioneering in environmental technology. Crucial to the success of this venture was the involvement of RINA, which demonstrated its commitment to the maritime green transition.”

Giosuè Vezzuto, Marine Executive Vice President at RINA concluded, “We are proud to partner with Bluferries and CTE Perdikaris on this state-of-the-art hybrid vessel. This project represents a significant step towards decarbonization and exemplifies the synergies needed for a sustainable maritime future. It highlights Greece’s pioneering efforts and critical role in advancing sustainable maritime practices. Together, through collaboration and innovation, we are driving towards a cleaner, more responsible global maritime industry for generations to come.”