By
Alex Smith |
Italian ferry operator Bluferries has launched a hybrid ro-ro vessel, Sikania II Hybrid, designed by Greek company CTE Perdikaris and constructed by Celt under supervision by inspection, certification, and engineering consultancy RINA.
The vessel will feature a hybrid propulsion system which integrates diesel engines with electric propulsion. The ship will be equipped with four azimuth thrusters Z-drive, each of which will be connected directly to one 1000-kilowatt diesel engine and one 340-kilowatt electric motor. The motors will be connected to lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide batteries with an energy storage capacity of one megawatt hour.
The vessel will be energy-independent, featuring an advanced energy management system. During navigation, the batteries will be able to be charged through the electrical motors acting as shaft generators. The stored energy can then used for hybrid propulsion, with the diesel engines and electric motors combining to supply power to the azimuth thrusters. When approaching port, the vessel will operate on fully electric propulsion to produce zero emissions during all manoeuvring, loading and unloading operations. Solar panels fitted onboard will provide 25 kilowatts of power, supplying the ship’s accommodation services.
“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,” said Giuseppe Sciumè, CEO of Bluferries “This vessel meets high standards of efficiency and reliability, paving the way for greener maritime transport. We plan to expand our hybrid fleet, reinforcing our position in eco-friendly maritime solutions.”
Sikania II Hybrid will be105 metres long and has been designed to carry 22 heavy vehicles or 125 cars and 400 people.
“We have brought our extensive expertise to this project, ensuring the vessel meets stringent environmental standards while maintaining operational excellence,” said Theano Perdikaris, CEO of CTE Perdikaris. “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.”
Sikania II Hybrid will begin sailing between Villa San Giovanni and Messina in Italy from early 2025.