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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.