Greek electric ferry deal

Greece has a great deal of potential to power electric ferries with renewable energy, such as offshore wind and solar power. Combining these offers the possibility of developing a new ‘Greek green corridor’, helping fleets decarbonise and creating new business opportunities.

“We operate the largest fleet in the Saronic islands which are located only a few miles away from the port of Piraeus, the largest port of Greece, where decarbonisation will matter most,” said Joseph Lefakis, partner of Saronic Ferries. “Our goal is to partner with forward-thinking stakeholders, such as DNV and materialise the first fully-electric ferry in Greece, for the Saronic islands.”

DNV has established the first industry rules for battery propulsion, working with many customers to enable the move to electric propulsion. As the initiator and lead of the Norwegian Green Shipping Programme, DNV has also been working on bringing together stakeholders to promote the use of green vessels, most notably the country’s fleet of short sea ferries.

“We have real potential for decarbonisation in local ferries in Greece,” said Ioannis Chiotopoulos, senior vice president, regional manager South East Europe, Middle East & Africa, at DNV Maritime.

“Ferries are at the heart of tourism through our islands, and as regulations tighten and the public demands more sustainable ways to enjoy travel, full-electric ferries offer forward looking owners the opportunity to contribute to the green wave that is sweeping across shipping.”