The ferry “Elio”, the new ship of the Caronte & Tourist Group, has started navigation on the Strait of Messina.
It is the first motor vessel powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) to operate in the Mediterranean.
The ship was designed to best serve the connection between the two shores of the Strait of Messina based on the experience gained by the shipping company and the background of the design company.
Elio
Elio, the synthesis of a social choice.
Characteristics
Elio is a Ro/Ro Pax of about eight thousand tons. Its load capacity is double that of the “Telepass”, the former flagship of C&T, and it connects Messina to Villa San Giovanni.
Overall length: 133.60 m
Beam: 21.50 m
Maximum draft: 4.0 m
Gross tonnage: 8,778 tons
Maximum speed: 19 knots
Cargo decks: 2
Maximum car: 290
Maximum trailers: 38
Maximum pax: 1.500
Cruising speed: 15 knots
Technological innovation
The DP0 dynamic positioning system allows you to precisely and safely manoeuvre with a simple joystick, even in critical weather and sea conditions. It ensures stable positioning on the dock thanks to a direct connection with the GPS.
Considering the future of sustainable mobility, we planned charging stations for electric vehicles. So that passengers can refuel their cars during the crossing. In this way, we can help reduce range anxiety and actively contribute to the spread of electric vehicles.
Propulsion
Two azimuth thrusters carry out the propulsion (one at the bow, one at the stern) by rotating 360° and directing the thrust according to the Captain’s requests. The 3,000 kW electric generators control them, ensuring the highest efficiency in any operating condition.
Manoeuvrability is further enhanced through two pump jets to facilitate manoeuvres even in unfavourable weather and sea conditions. Safety and reliability standards are also improved, ensuring a safe return to port thanks to the redundancy of the propulsion system.
Environmental benefits
The company aims to reduce its environmental impact as much as possible. Therefore, we chose Dual-Fuel engines with Diesel + Liquefied Natural Gas power supply.
Dual-fuel engine Diesel + Liquefied Natural Gas
Real-time fuel consumption monitoring. Constant fuel consumption monitoring allows you to maintain the overall efficiency at its optimal levels.
Hull treatment with silicone-based coating. The hull paint is silicone-based to reduce the use of biocides harmful to the marine environment and minimize hydrodynamic resistance.
Passenger services
From the garage, passengers can access the decks through escalators or lifts.
Particular attention has been paid to welcoming Persons with Reduced Mobility by simplifying access and usability of the service.
Services available on board: bar, children’s play area, shops, multimedia content, piped music, USB charging stations, escalators and lifts to improve ship accessibility.
Accessibility - Reserved seats for PRM; Lifts to access the lounge; Doors with adequate clear useable width; Acoustic and Braille signals; Tactile paths
Free WI-FI - Free Wi-Fi access in all passenger areas
Air conditioning - High standards of thermo-hygrometric comfort in all areas
Open deck - Outdoor seats
