The first Bulgarian eco-hybrid catamaran presented in Burgas

It will start running for tourists on 1 June

The Bulgarian city of Burgas presented on 18 May 2021 the first eco-hybrid catamaran. The model was developed to feature hybrid engines and solar panels at a factory in the Bulgarian town of Tsarevo. It is a joint project between Bulgaria, Greece and Georgia.

Partners in the project are the port administration in the Greek city of Alexandroupolis, the Bulgarian Glarus Sport Fishing Association, and the International Centre for Social Research and Policy Analysis in Georgia. The project is worth more than 1 million euros.

Can run on electric batteries and diesel

Diyan Dimov, the executive director of the Port of Burgas, explained: "The project was difficult. Three partners - Georgia, Bulgaria, Greece. But at the moment we have a wonderful blue, ecological ship with the funny name Mavi. This is the first engine that is a hybrid. It can run on both electric batteries and diesel long-distance engine."

Captain Georgi Sabev explained that the eco-catamaran will develop a speed of 14 knots when using diesel engines. In addition to transporting passengers in the Burgas area, the eco-catamaran will also study the quality of seawater. Captain Sabev added: "Wherever the ship goes, we have a sensor, with four different parameters, the data is automatically uploaded to our platform."

The new tourist destinations, a fishing village, the island of St. Anastasia and other attractions in the area, are expected to be stops along the route. Trips for tourists will start on 1 June.

Burgas Mayor Dimitar Nikolov announced that the vessel would also serve as a training base for the Burgas Maritime School. The eco-catamaran will sail primarily powered by solar energy across the Bay of Burgas. Additionally, the vessel will be fitted with spare engines that can be used. The first Bulgarian eco-catamaran has a capacity of 24 passengers and three crew members.