NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug 24, 2025--
Azra Tech, a pioneer in sustainable marine technologies, announces a strategic collaboration with Neptune Lines Shipping and Managing Enterprises SA, a leading short-sea car carrier operator in Europe and the Mediterranean, to support innovation in eco-friendly vessel performance.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250822716169/en/
In July 2022, Azra Tech applied its groundbreaking biocide-free, ultra-low-friction hull coating system to the Neptune Aegli at Odessos Shipyard in Bulgaria. Based on proprietary nano-technology and backed by the Blue Race Performance Guarantee, the system is designed to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Over 36 months of continuous operation across European ports, Azra Tech reports that the coating achieved significant fuel savings and CO2 emissions reduction, outperforming original expectations. During an intermediate survey at Lisnave/Setubal Shipyard, data showed that the hull’s surface roughness remained exceptionally low – a key indicator of long-term durability and performance. This innovative solution is introduced to the Greek and Omani markets through Green Navis, Azra Tech’s exclusive representative in these regions. Fully aligned with IMO regulations, the coating contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 14 – Life Below Water – as it contains no biocides or active ingredients that could harm marine life.
“This is an exceptional result,” said Azra Tech. “The performance of Neptune Aegli showcases the durability and efficiency of our coatings and confirms our commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable maritime future.”
Neptune Lines has applied the coating system developed by Azra Tech on the Neptune Aegli car Carrier. While the performance data is consistent with the Blue Race Performance Guarantee provided by Azra Tech, this collaboration reflects a shared vision for environmentally responsible innovation in the maritime sector.
For further insights into Azra Tech's eco-friendly paint technology and its transformative impact, please visit azra-tech.com.
About Neptune Lines( neptunelines.com )
Neptune Lines Shipping and Managing Enterprises (Neptune Lines), part of Neptune Group, is a leading finished vehicle logistics provider, specializing in transportation and shipping solutions for manufacturers and shippers of cars and high and heavy cargoes. Operating across Europe, North Africa, and the Black Sea, Neptune Lines excels in short-sea shipping, connecting ports with efficient and specialized services.
As a trusted partner for major car manufacturers, Neptune Lines delivers tailored solutions that meet the highest industry standards. Guided by its "Wake Forward" philosophy, Neptune Lines is committed to sustainability, reliability, and customer satisfaction, delivering operational excellence that drives progress in the logistics industry.
About Azra Tech( azra-tech.com )
Azra Tech Inc., a leading U.S.-based Industrial Intellectual Property and Technology Holding Company, boasts a global presence with affiliates in the United States, Europe, Switzerland, and Israel. The company's mission centers on the development and provision of advanced materials and additives based on proprietary patented nanotechnologies. These innovations, pivotal in the realm of multi-functional special coatings and polymers, enhance material properties while reducing the environmental carbon footprint. By aligning with global sustainability goals, Azra Tech plays a crucial role in the decarbonization efforts within industrial sectors, driving innovation, sustainability, and performance excellence to foster a more responsible and efficient future.
In the maritime industry, the ultra-low friction hull coating solution aligns seamlessly with IMO requirements, including EEXI and CII standards. It stands out for its environmentally friendly composition, devoid of biocides and silicon oil. With its enduring protection and reliable performance, this system not only ensures prolonged effectiveness but also delivers exceptional fuel efficiency, contributing significantly to sustainable practices in the marine sector.
About Blue Race®( bluerace.ch )
Blue Race ® Sarl, as the Swiss affiliate of Azra Tech Inc, is responsible for monitoring and ensuring the performance of vessels following the application of the ultra-smooth hull coating solution. Shipowners and charterers stand to gain from the Blue Race ® guarantee, which promises a minimum of 3% fuel savings during each dry dock cycle. This commitment underscores the Group dedication to delivering tangible benefits and maximizing efficiency for maritime operators.
About Green Navis Quest( greennavis.com )
Green Navis is an innovative company founded in 2022 by the Moundreas family, acting as the representative of Azra Tech. Emerging from one of Greece's oldest shipping companies, George Moundreas & Co. S.A., Green Navis was established to address the urgent need for green solutions within the maritime industry. The company's mission focuses on integrating green technologies that enhance the sustainability of vessels.
Neptune Aegli, photo taken on 2025-03-20 by David David Potter
BOSTON (AP) — When Zdeno Chara signed with the Boston Bruins in 2006, the No. 3 he wore early in his career had already been retired by the Original Six franchise.
So he picked No. 33 without giving it much thought.
“Little did I know how meaningful 33 was,” Chara said on Thursday night before his number was raised to the TD Garden rafters not far from where Larry Bird's No. 33 already hangs in Celtics green.
It is the 13th number retired by the Bruins, and the latest in a collection of Hall of Fame defenseman that runs from Eddie Shore to Bobby Orr to Raymond Bourque.
“It's a huge honor,” Chara told reporters. "I can’t explain to you how honored I feel. I’m humbled about being selected to be one of the numbers being retired. Being with that history, forever."
The 2009 Norris Trophy winner and a 2025 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, Chara spent 14 of his 24 NHL seasons in Boston, leading the Bruins to the 2011 Stanley Cup championship. His 1,680 games is the most of any NHL defenseman; at 6 feet, 9 inches (2.06m), he is the tallest player in league history, and his 108.8 mph (175.1 kmh) slap shot in the 2012 skills competition remains the NHL record.
But his teammates and other Bruins attending Thursday's ceremony said Chara's biggest contribution was signing with a team that hadn't won a playoff series in six years — “the best decision I ever made” — and turning them into champions.
“Things really changed when Zee came here as a free agent,” Bourque said. "From that point on, the culture and everything that comes with that, and the success and the run that they had, he was such a big part of that.
“He’s a legend,” Bourque said. “He really deserves to be up there.”
Bourque was among the former Bruins greats in attendance, along with Orr — both of them, like Chara, Boston defensemen who finished their careers elsewhere on their way to the Hall of Fame. They arrived via gold carpet that led them past adoring fans and the statue of Orr flying through the air following his Cup-winning goal in the 1970 finals.
Other fellow retired number honorees in attendance included Cam Neely, Willie O’Ree, Rick Middleton, Terry O'Reilly and John Bucyk. The current Bruins sat on the bench, all wearing Chara jerseys.
Five members of the 2011 roster — Patrice Bergeron, Mark Recchi, Dennis Seidenberg, David Krejci and Tuukka Rask — carried the retired number onto the ice, and teammate Andrew Ference served as emcee.
In his speech, Chara read the names of every player on the Bruins last Cup winners. Asked why, he said after: “Without championships, you are not going to be successful, you’re not going to be recognized.
"The championships, that’s what they do. They raise everyone, they extend careers for everyone,” he explained. "They create dynasties. They create stories. They create memories. They created what we’re experiencing tonight.
"It’s very simple: Once you win the championship, everything gets so much better for everyone. And the most beautiful thing about it: You create extended families with each other. It’s true. You have bonds, you have friendships that are now still forever. It’s amazing; it’s like you’re seeing your brother. You trust the person; you know everything about them. And anytime anybody needs something, you’re there for them.
“That’s what winning championships do,” he said. “Not just for a career, but for the rest of your lives, it means something very special.”
The ceremony at center ice featured a “Big Zee” ice sculpture flanking the podium and a large No. 33 behind it. Fans were asked to get in their seats two hours early, and the full TD Garden erupted in a giant shout of “Zee!” followed by an extended cheer of “Thank you, Chara!”
A highlight video featured former Bruins Brad Marchand and current coach Marco Sturm, Chara's teammate from 2006-10. Many of them spoke of the way Chara led by example.
“He wasn’t really a ‘Rah, rah!’ guy,” former Bruins forward and current team president Neely said, “but when he spoke, it was with a purpose.”
And so, when it was time to raise his No. 33 to the rafters, Chara stood by with his wife, Tatiana, while their children — Zack, Ben and Elliz — pulled the ropes.
“That’s the biggest reward for me: To see my children and my family doing it instead of me. I think I get better joy watching them doing it than the joy of me doing it because it's so much more meaningful,” he explained. "They deserve that more than me."
AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl
Former Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara speaks during his number retirement ceremony before an NHL hockey game between the Boston Bruins and the Seattle Kraken Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Boston. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
Former Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara leads his family over to his number "33" to raise it to the rafters before an NHL hockey game between the Boston Bruins and the Seattle Kraken, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Boston. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
Former Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara, center, waves to the crowd during his number retirement ceremony, as Bruins' players with their number already retired, from left, Willie O'Ree, Rick Middleton, Terrry O'Reilly, Cam Neely, emcee Andrew Ferrance and Bobby Orr look on before an NHL hockey game between the Boston Bruins and the Seattle Kraken, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Boston. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
Former Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara's number "33" is raised to the rafters at TD Garden before an NHL hockey game between the Boston Bruins and the Seattle Kraken Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Boston. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
Bobby Orr applauds, left bottom, as former Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara waves to the crowd during his number retirement ceremony before an NHL hockey game between the Boston Bruins and the Seattle Kraken, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Boston. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
