Sikania II Hybrid: Bluferries New Passenger Hybrid Ro–Ro Ship designed by CTE Perdikaris and built in Greece under the supervision of RINA
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, announced 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.”
“K2 Secure Solution” receives Marine Cybersecurity Certification from RINA
K2 Informatics, a company specializing in cybersecurity and IT systems integration has been recently certified by RINA for its “K2 Secure Solution”. RINA followed a strict methodology to evaluate the compliance of K2 Secure Solution against a strict set of international standards, based on IMO Resolution, IACS requirements and RINA Rules. The importance of the process is in providing assurance that certain hardware and software tools comply with the Marine Regulatory Framework and are suitable to be used in the marine environment, offering cybersecurity for systems & networks onboard.
Today vessels at sea, are more connected and vulnerable to cyberattacks than any given moment in the past. The average ransom paid by shipowners due to cyber-attacks is currently estimated at $ 3 million, but the true cost of business and service disruption is even higher.
Mr Spyridon Zolotas, Senior Director of RINA Marine Southern Europe & Africa, mentioned that: “Cybersecurity certification of companies does not only prove compliance with minimum acceptable scientific principles but assist companies in following high safety standards to protect seamen and help maintain a safe business environment for shipping”
Mr Michael Vrettos, Senior Cyber Security Expert of RINA, mentioned that: “Digitalization and Cyber Security go hand in hand, and their aim is to assist, not hamper shipping with complexity and extravagant costs. Systems that offer high security standards in a straightforward manner, like K2 Secure, can only benefit shipping”.
Mr Georgios Gkorgkolis Managing Director of K2 Informatics mentioned that: “working with RINA and complying with their Cyber Security regulations, was a great experience for us, as RINA team has in-depth knowledge and adheres to an easy to follow, yet strict and realistic methodology on Cybersecurity”.
Mr Philip Nielsen, Co-Founder of Oriani Hellas, mentioned: “we are proud to have K2 Secure solution certified as we thrive to keep our products and services to the higher standards possible and working with a recognized classification society as RINA was the best option for that”.
K2 Informatics, together with Oriani Hellas that specializes in Maritime digital applications have developed a maritime Cyber Security solution called K2 Secure Solution, which is based on global best practices and incorporates:
– security devices, for network segmentation, Quality of Service and VPN connections- cloud management software for email and network protection- remote maintenance and management software, for systems & networks onboard and ashore.
RINA launches Hellenic Decarbonization Committee
RINA will inaugurate the first Hellenic Decarbonization Committee (HDC) on May 6th, 2021. The initiative falls within the broader decarbonization program RINA is pursuing to support the shipping industry in achieving CO2 emissions reduction objectives established by IMO.
The RINA Hellenic Decarbonization Committee will be chaired by Mrs. Ioanna Procopiou, Prominence Maritime Managing Director and will be made up of a selected group of representatives among shipowners, technical managers, shipyards, designers, fuel suppliers and charterers.
The dialogue between the stakeholders will target improvements in technology, regulatory changes, digitally enabled services and the potential funding or financing of green technologies to benefit the entire industry.
The members will periodically meet in person or remotely according to the circumstances. Broader meetings, with the participation of members from RINA’s Decarbonization Committees in other countries will be organized to maximise multisectoral and multicompetency participation.
Ioanna Procopiou, Chairwoman of the HDC, said “RINA’s initiative aims to bring different stakeholders of the industry into a constructive dialogue. It is an opportunity to share ideas, voice concerns and distinguish between pragmatic and idealistic solutions for shipping when it comes to climate change”.
Massimo Volta, Marine EMEA Region EVP at RINA, said “Decarbonisation will be the main driver guiding the shipping sector in the years to come. RINA is determined to play an active role in this evolution bringing its multidisciplinary skills to the industry to build a sustainable future, but it is clear that the objectives set will be achieved only through a joint effort. And this is the reason the Hellenic Decarbonization Committee was set up”.
Spyros Zolotas, Senior Director, RINA Marine Southern Europe & Africa Area, added “Greece is not only a maritime nation by tradition, but Greek shipowners own over 20% of the world tonnage. RINA knows that the contribution that this country can give to the entire industry is fundamental and through our Committee we want to maximize that together with shipyards, engine makers, and the main players of the sector”.
RINA works with the National Technical University of Athens to support the future Young Engineers in Greece
RINA has announced the signing of an important Memorandum of Understanding with the School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NA & ME School) of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). RINA is one of the oldest classification societies and a founding member of the International Association of Classification Societies and the memorandum forms a framework to support young engineers in gaining professional experience, a vital supplement to their studies.
Each year, RINA will offer places to last year students and recent graduates to be trained alongside experienced engineers at its offices in Greece and abroad. The period of on-the-job training will depend on the position but it will typically last a minimum of six months. Where possible, positions will be identified to support the specific focus of individual student’s degree to provide a deeper understanding of the subject. The time spent with RINA, however, will also aim to offer a broader view of opportunities to help students fully understand the options available to them.
NTUA is the largest technical university in Greece and has reputation for excellence. Students study over a period of five years to obtain 300 credit units, which leads to a master’s Diploma in accordance with the continental European system for training engineers. The framework of practical training for budding Naval Architects and Marine Engineers from the NA & ME School will add to their understanding of the application of their academic studies to the real world.
Nello Sulfaro, CEO at RINA Services, said: “RINA and the NA & ME School already have strong cooperation in research and training. This new Memorandum enhances the opportunities for undergraduates and graduates to further their training alongside experienced engineers. This will add focus to their academic studies and help them further realize the direction in which they wish to take their careers. This added dimension will be good for the school, and for the RINA business, which is always looking for bright, new engineers to support its global work.”
Professor Gregory Grigoropoulos, Dean of the NA & ME School, at NTUA, said: “We have worked with RINA for many years, but this new framework takes our relationship an important step in the right direction. The marine industry is a valuable part of the Greek economy. The experience our students will gain within RINA, will give an excellent insight into the real world of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. It adds another, more practical dimension to their academic studies and gives them the opportunity to work alongside top engineers from one of the leading classification societies. Such cooperation can only benefit all parties involved, including the broader marine industry.”