Case Study
Sikania II Hybrid by Xanthis | Baudouin Case Study
Sikania II Hybrid Powered by Baudouin Marine Propulsion Engines
CASE STUDY
- 6W126S Marine Genset | 12M26.3 SCR Marine Engine
- Cylinders: 6 | 12
- Total Displacement (L): 11.6 | 31.8
- Certifications: IMO III | EPA 4 | STAGE V
Solution
- 4 x Baudouin 12M26.3 SCR propulsion engines and 1 x Baudouin 6W126S genset
- P2 Heavy Duty
- Passenger hybrid Ro-Ro vessel
- Xanthis S.A. | C.T.E. Perdikaris Engineering
Baudouin Marine Propulsion for Sikania II Hybrid
Baudouin powers the new-generation hybrid passenger Ro-Ro vessel Sikania II Hybrid, designed to combine operational efficiency with reduced environmental impact in Italian coastal operations.
Measuring 105 metres in length and 18 metres in beam, the vessel is equipped with four Baudouin 12M26.3 propulsion engines, each delivering 1002 kW, or 1370 HP, at 1800 rpm under P2 Heavy Duty rating. Integrated SCR aftertreatment ensures full IMO III compliance by significantly reducing NOx emissions while maintaining combustion efficiency and propulsion performance.
The hybrid propulsion architecture is connected to an azimuth thruster system and integrates a Baudouin GEB 6W126S genset, supporting onboard electrical power generation and hybrid energy management. When approaching harbour and operating below 6 knots, propulsion transitions to electric mode, enabling low-noise and local zero-emission manoeuvring during docking and port operations. Once the vessel accelerates above 6 knots, the diesel propulsion system automatically restarts to resume full propulsion power.
Developed by Baudouin’s local distributor Xanthis S.A. over more than a year of engineering, installation, programming, validation and extensive sea trials, the project required precise coordination between diesel propulsion, electrical integration, automation logic, manoeuvring control and classification compliance.
The result is a robust hybrid solution that optimizes fuel efficiency, enhances port-area sustainability and maintains the heavy-duty reliability required for passenger Ro-Ro operations. The project demonstrates how Baudouin propulsion technology can support complex hybrid vessel architectures while delivering durability, torque response and long-term operational performance.
A key technical challenge involved the automation logic governing engine start and stop sequences together with the azimuth thruster propulsion management.
Diesel engines require a controlled ramp-up period before reaching nominal speed and delivering full propulsion torque.
The control system therefore had to precisely manage transition thresholds and synchronize interactions between electric propulsion, diesel propulsion and manoeuvring systems.
This was essential to protect vessel handling, safety and passenger comfort during operating mode transitions.
The vessel also integrates a Baudouin GEB 6W126S genset.
This genset supports onboard electrical generation and contributes to the vessel’s hybrid energy management strategy.
It ensures stable auxiliary power supply during both navigation and port operations.
During harbour manoeuvring below 6 knots, the vessel transitions to electric propulsion, reducing local emissions and noise levels in port areas.
Once the vessel accelerates beyond this threshold, the diesel propulsion system automatically resumes operation while the electric motor transitions to generator mode to recharge the battery system.
The Sikania II Hybrid project was delivered with Xanthis S.A., Baudouin’s distributor, and C.T.E. Perdikaris Engineering as shipyard partner.
The project required close coordination across mechanical propulsion, electrical systems, automation programming and sea trial validation.
Through this project, Xanthis S.A. and Baudouin demonstrate their ability to deliver advanced marine propulsion solutions combining mechanical durability, emissions compliance, auxiliary onboard power generation and hybrid integration.
Sikania II Hybrid shows how diesel propulsion and electric power can be combined to improve operational flexibility in coastal passenger transport.
The vessel benefits from reliable heavy-duty propulsion at sea, reduced local emissions in port areas and optimized fuel efficiency across its operating profile.
By integrating Baudouin 12M26.3 SCR propulsion engines with a Baudouin GEB 6W126S genset and hybrid energy management, the project supports more sustainable passenger Ro-Ro operations without compromising marine performance.
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