Italian ferry operator Liberty Lines announced the launching of Vittorio Morace, the first of its 12 new hybrid fast ferries, at the Astilleros Armon shipyard in Spain.
All the new vessels, designed by Incat Crowther, will join the company’s fleet between 2023 and 2026.
The 39.5-metre Vittorio Morace is capable of transporting 251 passengers at speeds of 30 knots, can operate in a fully electric mode at speeds of up to 8 knots, and is equipped with Rolls-Royce integrated MTU hybrid propulsion systems.
The main deck of each vessel features seating for 166 passengers, five bathrooms and a kiosk/bar amidships.
The upper deck seats a further 85 passengers with an additional two toilets. Large luggage racks are situated throughout the vessel’s two passenger cabins, in addition to overhead luggage bins.
The flexible hybrid drivetrain features a “zero emissions” mode to enter and exit ports, while the vessel will also be able to operate in a high speed ‘hybrid mode’ allowing for efficient operations while simultaneously re-charging its batteries.
Commenting on the new vessels, chief executive officer at Liberty Lines, Gennaro Carlo Cotella, said the acquisitions were part of the company’s net zero strategy.
“With this project, we are making a sustainable investment in the renewal of our fleet, with the purpose to continue to offer high-quality services to our stakeholders and minimise environmental impact in order to achieve an emission-free future,” noted Cotella.
