First electric ro-pax ferry for Greece

The largest ferry operator in the Saronic islands wants to realise its mission to operate a purely emissions-free fleet by 2040.

“We lead the way encouraging potential stakeholders to embrace change and move things forward, both on the vessel design front and on the land-based infrastructure and supply. One can’t come without the other,” said Joseph Lefakis, partner of Saronic Ferries.

“C-Job, at its core, is a key player in sustainable ship design, worldwide. Sharing the same values with them, naturally led to this cooperation.”

Sustainability focus

C-Job Naval Architects opened a branch office in Athens in 2020 as a response to increased demand and to be closer to its clients in Greece.

“We’re proud to have been chosen as partner to Saronic Ferries to develop its zero-emission ferry and support their sustainable ambitions,” said Nikos Papapanagiotou, director of C-Job Athens.

“We’ve been researching alternative fuels and energy sources for nearly a decade and have applied this knowledge and other innovations to our designs. Thanks to our experience and R&D team, we’re able to show how design choices will affect operations and create the optimal design for each situation.”

C-Job delivered an initial design to Saronic Ferries following an extensive sustainable fuel feasibility study.

The zero-emission passenger ro-pax ferry has a capacity of 800 passengers and will feature a variety of sustainable aspects, including fully electric propulsion. The ferry will recharge in the Port of Piraeus.

Its design, according to C-Job, will include state-of-the-art features in energy-saving solutions and top-in-its-class interior design, offering passengers utmost comfort at no expense to the environment. 

The vessel is expected to join the fleet in 2026, sailing between Piraeus and the islands of Aegina and Agistri, but this is dependent on new infrastructure at the Port of Piraeus being in place.