By
Alice Chambers |
Rolls-Royce will supply Hybrid PropulsionPack engines for Liberty Lines’ nine new hybrid-powered ships, which will be built at Spain’s Armon shipyard and enter service between 2023 and 2026.
Each ship will be fitted with two motor and turbine union (MTU) 16-cylinder Series 4000M65 litre engines, two gearboxes, two e-motors and electric systems that will monitor onboard systems.
“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,” said Gennaro Carlo Cotella, CEO at Liberty Lines. “The majority of our fleet has already been successfully operating with MTU engines for decades. We are convinced we made the right choice with Rolls-Royce for the supply of the innovative MTU hybrid solutions for the renewal of our fleet on the way towards carbon neutrality.”
The engines in the new hybrid propulsion ships will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by eight per cent and nitrogen oxide emissions by 83 per cent in comparison to the Liberty Lines’ current fleet.
The vessels have been designed by Incat Crowther to enter and leave ports quietly without giving off any emissions. The batteries will be charged at ports with shore power supply, as well as whilst the engines are running in hybrid mode.
“We are very proud to have been awarded the contract to build these environmentally friendly high-speed vessels for Liberty Lines and thank Armon and Liberty Lines for their confidence in our expertise,” said Denise Kurtulus, vice president of the global marine sector at Rolls-Royce Power Systems. “This project strengthens our long-standing partnership with Liberty Lines and fits perfectly with our own net-zero. As the supplier of the fully integrated hybrid solution with exhaust aftertreatment, we are honoured to support Liberty Lines in their climate protection strategy.”
Nine additional ships are also planned for delivery between 2027 and 2030.