It has been five years since the initial collaboration between Istia Aigaiou, a Social Cooperative Enterprise, and Dock, two organizations in the Social and Solidarity Economy, who joined forces to bring to life their vision of zero CO₂ emissions in transport across the Aegean.
The climate crisis, with accelerating changes in the seas—such as a 400% increase in the average surface water temperature compared to the 1980s —has mobilized governments, international organizations, and civil society. Within this context, through an experimental vessel, Pelago, extensive research, and hard work, the second project was successfully completed with the support of the Green Fund. The project, titled “Sailing and Electric-Powered Transport of Ecological Products in the Aegean: Autonomy”, ran from 2021 to January 2025, demonstrating an innovative and environmentally sustainable model for transporting goods across the Aegean and the Mediterranean. The project proved that sailing and electric-powered shipping can be a realistic alternative, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality.
Energy Upgrade & Achievements of the Sailing Vessel Pelago
By installing additional solar panels and batteries, the energy autonomy of Pelago increased from 60 to 90 nautical miles (NM), at a speed of 3 knots under real sailing conditions, regardless of the season.
During a 37-day journey covering 18 islands, the project successfully demonstrated its feasibility:
– No need for charging from the central grid.
– For 26 out of 37 days, the batteries were fully charged, with surplus energy.
– The maximum daily energy production reached 5.79 kWh, surpassing previous measurements from 2022.
Public Engagement & Dialogue with Local Communities
From June to September 2024, public events and workshops with maritime professionals were held in Kalymnos, Poros, and Spetses, discussing the potential for electrification of vessels, economic challenges, and benefits. These events highlighted the growing public awareness of environmental pollution.
The final project presentation in Lavrio, in collaboration with the Municipality of Lavreotiki and the Port Authority of Lavrio, marked the peak of these initiatives. Representatives of green innovation, education, civil society, local authorities, and maritime professionals evaluated the project and discussed the challenges of expanding electric-powered maritime transport.
Environmental Education: “The Aegean Sails Go to School”
In collaboration with the Environmental Education & Sustainability Center of Lavrio, the educational program *”The Aegean Sails Go to School”* was implemented in 7 schools in Lavreotiki, engaging over 300 students. Through the program, students:
– Learned about the importance of renewable energy in maritime transport.
– Understood the greenhouse effect and its connection to shipping.
– Visited the electric-powered sailing vessel *Pelago, gaining hands-on experience in using wind and solar energy for transport.
Green Routes: An Information Application for Electric-Powered Sailing
Based on collected data, the Green Routes platform was developed by Open Lab Athens. The website provides:
– Routes for sailing and electric-powered vessels.
– Sailing durations, battery usage, and emissions data.
– Energy-saving strategies through sailing.
The platform aims to increase sailing usage and promote the conversion of professional vessels to electric-powered ones, fostering a new, sustainable maritime culture.
Continuing the Work for a Future Without Fossil Fuels
With the completion of these two projects, Istia Aigaiou and Dock have demonstrated that realistic solutions exist for achieving zero CO₂ emissions in maritime transport. However, in the face of the climate crisis, small-scale initiatives alone are not enough. Collective action, networks, and collaborations are essential for driving a paradigm shift.
For this reason, we continue to advocate for policies that move us away from fossil fuels, supporting energy democracy rather than a “green growth” model that benefits only a few.
Source: Aegean Cargo Sailing