117 Liberty Lines has confirmed an order for six additional hybrid-electric ferries from Armon Shipyard in Spain, building on a broader fleet renewal programme. Lightweight composite construction and sustainable propulsion are central to the design, enabling efficient operation across Italy’s interisland routes. Once complete, the fleet will number 18 hybrid vessels, all of which are optimised for operating in environmentally sensitive areas. In Estonia, procurement is underway for a new battery-electric ferry serving routes between the mainland and the islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. The vessel is intended for high-frequency crossings and designed for short-haul efficiency. The renewed tender has drawn attention from both domestic and international shipbuilders, with a strong focus on lifecycle savings and energy use. Elsewhere, Grandi Navi Veloci held a naming ceremony for GNV Orion, the second of four newbuilds from Guangzhou Shipyard International, in Genoa, Italy. Following GNV Polaris – delivered in early 2025 – Orion features upgraded public spaces and 420 passenger cabins, with total capacity for 1,785 guests. Sister ships GNV Virgo and GNV Aurora are under construction, with dual-fuel propulsion and delivery scheduled for 2026. In Scotland, Glen Rosa is progressing at Ferguson Marine, which is now targeting delivery in the second quarter of 2026. A sister ship to Glen Sannox – which was finally delivered in early 2025 – the vessel is intended for the Ardrossan– Brodick route, where it will add muchneeded redundancy and capacity to the Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) network. The dual-fuel design reflects continued investment in low-emission options for regional ferry services. CalMac’s new ro-pax Isle of Islay has completed successful sea trials in the Sea of Marmara. The tests assessed propulsion, speed, manoeuvrability and endurance. Witnessed by Caledonian Maritime Assets (CMAL), CalMac, Lloyd’s Register and the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the trials validated the performance of the 904 kWh Corvus Orca battery and Voith Schneider thrusters. A second testing phase will follow this summer, with delivery slated for late 2025. Also in Scotland, CMAL is advancing its competitive tender process to replace the freight ferries Helliar and Hildasay on the Northern Isles. The goal is to award the contract by February 2026. The newbuilds will offer improved freight flexibility, faster crossings, and optional space for up to 200 passengers during peak travel times. Australia’s Spirit of Tasmania IV finally departed the Scottish port of Leith in June 2025, where it remained berthed awaiting Tasmanian port upgrades. Built by Finland’s Rauma Marine Constructions and delivered in late 2024, the ship sailed to Hobart, Tasmania, via the Cape of Good Hope. Its sister, Spirit of Tasmania V, was completed and handed over in mid-2025 and was expected to follow her sister shortly after. The two new ferries will replace Spirit of Tasmania I and II on the Bass Strait crossing towards the end of 2026, introducing expanded capacity and significantly upgraded amenities. Corsica Linea’s LNG-powered Capu Rossu was floated out of drydock for the first time in June 2025 and will begin service between Marseille, France, and Corsica in 2026 Photo: Corsica Linea FERRY ORDER BOOK
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