Athena, the latest addition to the Bluferries fleet, is set to revolutionise maritime transport in the Strait of Messina. From 1st August, this low-emission ship will enter service, offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable maritime transport. With a name inspired by the Greek goddess of wisdom, Athena isn’t just a vessel—it’s a statement of intent.
Athena’s hybrid propulsion system slashes CO2 emissions by 56% compared to older ships in the fleet and 13% compared to non-hybrid sister ships Trinacria and Sikania. But the real game-changer is its “zero emissions” technology during port approach, loading, and unloading operations. Electric motors, powered by batteries charged during navigation, ensure Athena glides into and out of ports without a whisper of emissions. Add solar panels generating 25kW of energy for onboard services, and you’ve got a ship that’s not just green but smart.
Athena’s environmental credentials don’t stop there. Its main engines can run on a diesel-biodiesel blend, and an onboard water production system cuts water consumption by over 70%. At 105 metres long and 18 metres wide, Athena is designed for efficiency. It can carry up to 22 trucks or 125 vehicles and 393 people, including passengers and crew, all while ensuring a smooth, comfortable ride—even for passengers with reduced mobility.
This isn’t just about cutting emissions; it’s about rethinking how maritime transport operates. Athena’s arrival signals a shift in the industry’s approach to sustainability. The ship’s hybrid propulsion and zero-emission port operations set a new benchmark, proving that efficiency and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
Sabrina De Filippis, CEO of FS Logistix, underscores the significance of this development: “The arrival of Athena at Bluferries is a further step in the FS Logistix fleet modernization plan, in line with our ambitious Strategic Plan to increasingly play a leading role in the evolution of the business and the future of freight transport and logistics. We are investing significant resources to ensure an offering that is more responsive to current market needs and, above all, green. This is a concrete achievement in terms of innovation, sustainability, and efficiency at the service of industry and the local community, demonstrating the increasingly marked development of connections with naval intermodality.”
Joseph Sciumè, CEO of Bluferries, echoes this sentiment: “Today is an important day for the Bluferries family. The entry into service of Athena represents a decisive step in the renewal of our assets, to ensure increasingly efficient connections, especially in view of a busy period like August. The new ship also allows us to launch an increasingly green and modern fleet, demonstrating our commitment to environmental protection.”
Athena’s debut isn’t just a milestone for Bluferries or FS Logistix—it’s a wake-up call for the entire maritime industry. As global shipping faces mounting pressure to decarbonise, Athena offers a blueprint for how innovation and sustainability can drive progress. The question now is: who will follow suit?