Andreas Karamitas
Project Full Circle is an ambitious multi-million euro effort to design and build the fastest and most fuel-efficient speedboat to circumnavigate the globe, aiming to break the coveted UIM world record. The existing record stands at 60 days, 23 hours, and 49 minutes, but the new speedboat aspires to beat it. Professor Bob Cripps, former Technical Director of VT Halmatic, is the designer of this groundbreaking vessel. The speedboat has been designed in the UK and constructed from marine-grade aluminum. Its highly efficient hull reduces fuel consumption by up to 30% and incorporates cutting-edge marine products from over a dozen leading European companies.
Example of an aluminum boat
Innovative Fuel and Environmental Sensitivity
In addition to the impressive design, Project Full Circle is working with Advanced Fuel Development to introduce a revolutionary hybrid fuel. This fuel is a blend of Marine Gas Oil (MGO), 35% water, and an emulsifying agent, utilizing patented technology to inject hydrogen into the mixture. The result is a fuel that dramatically reduces harmful emissions and meets the International Maritime Organization (IMO) 2030 standards without any loss of power. Importantly, this technology can be used in almost any diesel engine with minimal modifications, offering a significant change in the shipping industry's drive to reduce pollution.
Vassilis Dimitriadis Joins Project Full Circle
Former Shipping Deputy Minister and founder of VisionDo Advisory Limited, Vassilis Dimitriadis, has joined the Project Full Circle team. Dimitriadis announced today that he is the Global Ambassador for the project and has also joined the Board of Directors of Advanced Fuel Development, the company behind the revolutionary hybrid fuel that will power the project.
The announcement was made ahead of the Limassol Boat Show, as Project Full Circle and Advanced Fuel Development confirmed their relocation to Cyprus, with headquarters at Limassol Marina.
Strategic Partnership and Objectives
Alistair Thompson, Managing Director of Full Circle and Advanced Fuel Development, commented: "Vassilis's knowledge of the international shipping industry, the environmental challenges facing the world, and his passion for creating a lasting impact on green shipping through substantial emissions reductions make him the ideal candidate to lead both companies to the forefront of global shipping issues. We look forward to working with him and other companies in Cyprus with a similar vision. We are confident that Cyprus and Limassol can become global leaders in reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from ships."
Vessel Specifications
The vessel has impressive specifications that make it one of a kind. With a length of 80 feet and an inner beam of 13 feet and an outer beam of 19 feet, it is ideal for long voyages. The vessel will have a draught of 30 meters. Made of aluminum, it has a large surface area and weighs 24.8 tons. Its range will be about 4000 nautical miles. The vessel features a Fiat Power Train engine, Glamox lighting, and Starlink satellite communications.
The Dimitriadis Vision
Vassilios Demetriades served as Shipping Deputy Minister to the President of the Republic of Cyprus from July 2020 to February 2023. During his tenure, he shaped the strategic vision for Cyprus' shipping "SEA Change 2030", promoting an outward-looking approach and a new philosophy and working structure at the Shipping Deputy Ministry.
He also showed leadership at the global and European levels to address crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, taking key actions for safe crew rotation and implementing a national vaccination plan for seafarers. Additionally, he introduced several incentives and funding schemes aimed at decarbonizing shipping and was actively involved in shaping actions to reduce emissions at EU and IMO levels.
The Future of Cyprus Shipping
The inclusion of Vassilios Demetriades in Project Full Circle and the relocation of the project to Limassol Marina open new perspectives for Cypriot shipping. With the support of Advanced Fuel Development and the adoption of new fuel technologies, Cyprus has the potential to become a global leader in reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from ships.
