On April 29, 2025, Athena, the new hybrid ferry from Bluferries, company within the Logistics division of Italy’s state-owned rail group Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane, arrived at the port of Messina. Measuring 105 meters in length and 18 meters in width, the vessel is set to begin operations across the Strait, with a transport capacity of 22 articulated trucks (or 125 cars) and 393 passengers. It has been specifically designed to ensure full accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility.

Athena stands out for its hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system. Its batteries, recharged during navigation, power the electric engines during port maneuvers and loading/unloading phases, helping reduce CO2 emissions by 56% compared to the fleet’s older vessels and by 13% compared to non-hybrid Trinacria and Sikania. The main engines can also run on a blend containing up to 20% biodiesel, while solar panels on board generate 25 kW of power for internal services. An integrated system also produces fresh water on board, cutting water consumption by over 70%.

Currently undergoing registration, Athena is scheduled to enter service in summer 2025. The goal is to progressively replace older, less efficient vessels with next-generation hybrids.