Liberty Lines, a ferry company based in Trapani, has announced an upcoming milestone in collaboration with the Spanish shipyard Armon. The first of a series of 12 hybrid high-speed crafts, named in honor of the company’s founder, Vittorio Morace, is set to be launched between 2023 and 2026.
Earlier this year, the Morace family-controlled shipping company expanded their order, exercising an option for three additional vessels, bringing the total order to 12. Furthermore, the company still retains options for the construction of an additional 6 vessels, scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2030.
This impressive endeavor has been significantly supported, with the initial 12 units receiving EUR 23.4 million in public subsidies from the Italian fleet renewal plan, a component of the EU Next Gen program, approved by the European Commission.
The innovation doesn’t end with the number of vessels; these new high-speed ferries will boast an integrated propulsion system featuring MTU Series 4000 engines by Rolls-Royce. This system will supply both traditional and electric propulsion, a testament to the collaborative efforts between Liberty Lines, Armon shipyard, Rolls-Royce, RINA, and Incat Crowther.
This groundbreaking model of hybrid HSC ferries was recently unveiled at the Interferry annual conference in Hobart, Tasmania, showcasing the culmination of intensive collaboration and cutting-edge technology.
