Author: Ethan Ward

Blue Water Autonomy has introduced the Liberty Class, a 190-foot autonomous surface vessel designed for U.S. Navy deployment, as the Pentagon accelerates efforts to expand unmanned maritime capabilities. The Boston-based technology and shipbuilding company said the steel vessel will have a range exceeding 10,000 nautical miles and payload capacity of more than 150 metric tons, enabling missions including missile launch, sensor deployment and logistics support. Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2026 at Conrad Shipyard in Louisiana, with the first ship expected to be completed later in the year under a formal acquisition program. The Liberty Class is built…

Vessev will trial its VS–9 electric hydrofoiling passenger vessel on Lake Wakatipu this month, as part of a study examining whether battery-electric water transport could help ease congestion in one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing cities. The demonstration, scheduled for Feb. 10, will evaluate the performance of the VS–9 on the lake between Queenstown and Kingston, including travel times, passenger experience and operational requirements. The trial is being conducted in partnership with residential developer Kingston Village and regional stakeholders, with findings expected to inform a broader feasibility study later this year. See also: New Zealand’s Vessev Secures First European Customer for…

ABB has secured an order to provide energy, propulsion and control systems for four new hybrid ferries commissioned by BC Ferries, the companies said. The vessels will be built by CMI Weihai and are scheduled for delivery starting in 2029. BC Ferries, one of the world’s largest ferry operators, runs 47 terminals across 25 routes in Canada’s British Columbia, carrying about 9.7 million vehicles and 22.7 million passengers annually. The four vessels form part of the operator’s New Major Vessels programme and will be double-ended ferries, allowing vehicles to load and unload from both ends. See also: Incat Trials World’s…

U.S. marine electrification company Fleetzero has raised $43 million in Series A funding to expand manufacturing of its hybrid and electric propulsion systems, as it seeks to scale production capacity and support the maritime sector’s shift toward lower-emission vessels. The funding round was led by Obvious Ventures, with participation from Maersk Growth, 8090 Industries and Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Fleetzero said. The company also announced the opening of a new manufacturing and research facility in Houston, Texas. See also: Motive Energy to Supply Megawatt-Scale Charging System for Electric Tugboats at Port of Los Angeles The new site will initially support production…

A new electric-powered water toy developed through a collaboration between Italy’s Automobili Lamborghini and German manufacturer CAYAGO AG is making its public debut as the partners seek to expand the luxury brand’s presence beyond road vehicles. The SEABOB SE63, designed for use on superyachts, is based on Cayago’s electrically powered water sled platform and incorporates Lamborghini-inspired design cues. The companies say the model is intended to set a new benchmark in the high-end water toy segment, where demand has been rising alongside growth in the global superyacht fleet. See also: Motive Energy to Supply Megawatt-Scale Charging System for Electric Tugboats…

Motive Energy will design and deliver high-capacity charging and energy storage infrastructure to support Curtin Maritime’s electric tugboat fleet at the Port of Los Angeles, in what the companies described as one of the first purpose-built charging deployments in the United States for commercial marine operations. Under the project, Motive Energy will supply four 1-megawatt charging systems along with a 10-megawatt-hour battery energy storage system, all installed on a barge-based platform. The system will provide high-voltage direct current charging for electric tugboats while helping manage grid demand and improve operational resilience at the port. See also: Incat Trials World’s Largest…

Australian shipbuilder Incat has completed initial sea trials of what it says is the world’s largest battery-electric ferry, a 130-metre vessel known as Hull 096, as testing begins ahead of its planned deployment in South America. The aluminium-built ferry, constructed in Hobart, is being built for South American ferry operator Buquebus and is scheduled to enter service between Argentina and Uruguay from next year. Incat received the order in mid-2023 and launched the vessel in May. Further testing is planned in the coming months before the ferry sails to South America. “This is the first time a ship of this…

Swedish electric hydrofoil manufacturer Candela will bring its P-12 electric boat to Trondheim, Norway, for a six-week trial to assess its suitability for commuter transport between Frosta Brygge and the city, the company said. The Candela P-12 uses hydrofoil technology that lifts the hull about one metre above the water at cruising speeds, significantly reducing drag, noise and energy consumption. At a cruising speed of around 25 knots (46 km/h), the vessel produces minimal wake and noise, giving the impression that it is moving above the water rather than through it. See also: Candela to Deliver Ten P-12 Electric Hydrofoil…

The Orbit Clipper, described by its operator as Great Britain’s first fully electric ferry, has completed its maiden voyage on the River Thames and is scheduled to begin regular passenger service in London in February 2026. Operated by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, the battery-electric vessel was built at Wight Shipyard in East Cowes with partial funding from government grants and designed by Aus Ships Group. The company said the ferry will operate between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf, offering frequent crossings as part of London’s river transport network. Once in full service, the Orbit Clipper will carry up to 150…

The Port of Oslo will begin offering discounts of up to 100% on port fees for ships operating with zero emissions from 2026, marking a major step in the city’s strategy to reduce maritime pollution. The scheme applies to vessels that can enter and depart the port without generating emissions and aims to accelerate the adoption of cleaner maritime technologies. Under the new structure, ships that operate emission-free will be exempt from quay fees, while additional discounts will be granted for vessels using shore power or achieving high environmental ratings. In contrast, ships that do not adopt environmentally friendly solutions…