Tue 12 Jan 2016, 12:11 GMT

Ferry operator wins award for solar panel project


Project involves the implementation and operation of a solar photovoltaic unit on board the Blue Star Delos.



Athens-based Blue Star Ferries was amongst the winners at the Energy Mastering Awards 2015 event, which took place last month.

The company received the Silver Award in the 'Energy Efficiency in Public Transport' category for its 'innovative renewable energy sources' project.

The project involves the implementation and operation of a solar photovoltaic unit on board the Blue Star Delos ship. For its execution, the company has been cooperating since October 2014 with Japan-based companies Eco Marine Power (EMP) and Kei System.

The program is supervised by the technical team of Blue Star Ferries, while Eco Marine Power provides project management services, equipment and strategic partnerships, as well as technical consultancy services.

"Blue Star Ferries is extremely proud of this innovative plan, which is the first to be executed aboard a ship and actually opens the path for the further development of renewable energy sources in shipping," the Greek vessel operator said.

"The results from the pilot application of the program are very promising and the company has already decided to further upgrade the system, while also examining the prospect of its expansion aboard other ships of the Attica Group. The Group aims at utilizing the benefits of this particular technology, such as zero pollution, noiseless operation and low maintenance cost," Blue Star Ferries added.

It is estimated that the energy provided will be able to cover part of the ship's needs, resulting in reduced use of its electricity generators and, in turn, lower fuel consumption and air pollutant emissions.

Attica Group, a member of the Marfin Investment Group, is active in the passenger shipping sector with the brands Superfast Ferries and Blue Star Ferries in the Adriatic Sea, and Hellenic Sea Lines in Cyclades, Dodecanese, Northeastern Aegean Islands and Crete.

The Attica Group fleet comprises 13 ships, offering transportation services for passengers, cars and trucks.

Image: Installation of the marine solar panel array for the Blue Star Delos ferry.


Bennett J. Pekkattil and Capt. Alok RC Sharma. TFG Marine calls for digital transformation to manage alternative fuel risks  

CFO says transparency and digital solutions are essential as the marine fuels sector faces volatility from diversification.

Mugardos Energy Terminal. Reganosa’s Mugardos terminal adds bio-LNG bunkering for ships and trucks  

Spanish facility obtains EU sustainability certification to supply renewable fuel with 92% lower emissions.

Global Ethanol Association (GEA) and Growth Energy logo side by side. Growth Energy joins Global Ethanol Association as new member  

US biofuel trade association represents nearly 100 biorefineries and over half of US ethanol production.

Bertha B vessel. H2SITE explains decision to establish Bergen subsidiary  

Ammonia-to-hydrogen technology firm says Norwegian city was obvious choice for its ambitions.

Vessel at sea under dark clouds. Gibraltar Port Authority issues severe weather warning for gale-force winds and heavy rain  

Port authority warns of storm-force gusts of up to 50 knots and rainfall totals reaching 120 mm.

Christiania Energy headquarters. Christiania Energy relocates headquarters within Odense Harbour  

Bunker firm moves to larger waterfront office to accommodate growing team and collaboration needs.

AiP award ceremony for 20K LNGBV design. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries receives design approval for 20,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel  

Bureau Veritas grants approval in principle following joint development project with South Korean shipbuilder.

Lloyd’s Register technical committee meeting in Spain. Peninsula outlines dual role in FuelEU Maritime compliance at Lloyd’s Register panel  

Marine fuel supplier discusses challenges for shipowners and opportunities for suppliers under new regulation.

Current status of fleet fuel types chart. LNG-fuelled container ships dominate January alternative-fuel vessel orders  

Container ships accounted for 16 of 20 alternative-fuelled vessels ordered in January, DNV reports.

Rick Boom, CIMAC and Professor Lynn Loo, GCMD. GCMD and CIMAC sign partnership to advance alternative marine fuel readiness  

Two-year agreement aims to bridge operational experience with technical standards for decarbonisation solutions.