On July 18, 2024, the official announcement of the Sikania II Hybrid, a hybrid ro-ro vessel(RoPax) designed to make passenger travel between Villa San Giovanni (Reggio Calabria) and Messina, Italy, more environmentally friendly, was held at the Kanellos Bros shipyard in Perama, Greece.
The launch of the Sikania II Hybrid
This vessel was designed by Greek naval architects CTE Perdikaris Engineering, Architectural & Technical Services, and built by Celt under the supervision of RINA, the Sikania II Hybrid implements conventional diesel engines with advanced electric propulsion. This system reduces carbon emissions and fuel consumption, offering zero emissions during loading and unloading operations.
It was built for the Italian shipping company Bluferries, which has a length of approximately 105 meters and a gross tonnage of 4,100 GT. In addition, its design allows the transport of up to 22 heavy vehicles or 125 automobiles, and accommodates up to 400 people, with ample comfort for its passengers.
The main value of the Sikania II Hybrid is based on the use of green technologies. Equipped with four Z-drive azimuthal thrusters, each connected to a 1000 kW diesel engine and a 350 kW electric motor, the vessel uses NMC batteries with an energy storage capacity of 1 MWh. In addition, these batteries are charged through the electric motors that act as shaft generators during navigation, and the stored energy is used for hybrid propulsion.
As the vessel approaches the port, it runs on all-electric propulsion, ensuring zero emissions during loading and unloading maneuvers. While the installed solar panels provide 25 kW of energy, supplying all the ship’s accommodation services.
The views of Blufierries and CTE Perdikaris
Bluferries CEO, Giuseppe Sciumè, stated that this vessel meets high standards of efficiency and reliability, paving the way for greener shipping. The Calabria-Sicily route will benefit from a faster, cleaner and more reliable transport option. In addition, Bluferries plans to expand its hybrid fleet, reinforcing its position in environmentally friendly maritime solutions.
CTE Perdikaris CEO Theano Perdikaris mentioned the potential of hybrid technology to reduce the carbon footprint of the maritime industry, while Giosuè Vezzuto, RINA marine executive vice president, emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation for a sustainable maritime future.
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Source and photo: FSNews
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