A first-of-a-kind, high-speed hybrid passenger service
Liberty Lines
Billed as Europe’s first hybrid high-speed passenger ferries, a fleet of vessels delivered to Sicilian company Liberty Lines is transforming public transport for inhabitants in the Mediterranean and the tourist industry, at the same time reducing carbon emissions by almost 90% over conventional diesel ferries. Our Madrid lawyers played a pivotal role in this project, which is backed by green financing.
Introducing a more sustainable era of passenger ferry transport
Liberty Lines’ first-of-a-kind hybrid high-speed ferries can operate entirely in zero-emissions electric mode within ports, and on the open seas they run in high-speed hybrid mode while simultaneously re-charging their batteries. Designed by Incat Crowther, powered by two innovative Rolls-Royce MTU hybrid engines, and built by Astilleros Armon in the North of Spain, the 39.5 metre units mark an important milestone in the development of sustainable transport.
Seven of the fleet of nine ferries ordered by ferry operator Liberty Lines, a family-run company run out of a small village in Sicily, are fully operational, with two more units to be delivered by 2026. As well as being a boost for tourism, the ferries offer essential public transport service all year round for the island communities surrounding Sicily. “If Liberty Lines were a football team, this project would catapult it into the Champions League in terms of ESG credentials,” said Madrid partner Gonzalo Alvar, who has driven the Spanish legal aspects of the entire project.
Impressive progress has been made on hybrid/full electric propulsion systems. However, challenges remain, particularly in the development of battery technology and the need for continued improvements in energy density to support full-electric operations. The design and construction of hybrid propulsion systems presents specific safety and reliability considerations. And commercial viability of the project hinges on various technical and logistical factors, not least the cost of this alternative form of propulsion and the corresponding need for ports to develop adequate infrastructure to accommodate it.
Key takeaways
Proving the case for lower carbon vessels
Our specialist advice was essential in ensuring that the project was completed on time. In daily coordination with Liberty Lines, our Madrid team advised on: security for the shipbuilding contracts; implementation of a Spanish tax lease scheme; documentation for delivery and acceptance of the vessels; and securing green financing from Prow Capital, manager of the Green Shipping Fund.
No compromises on speed, yet environmentally friendly
Liberty Lines chose hybrid systems to minimise the environmental impact of the new fleet without compromising the speed and range of vessels. Ferry operators and other public transport companies are focused on cutting their greenhouse gas emissions as regulations on carbon emissions tighten. This project marks an ESG landmark.
A lifeline for local residents
The ferries in the fleet operate all year round with 100,000+ departures, transporting more than 3.5 million passengers per year between over 30 ports. They are, above all, an essential lifeline to the mainland for island residents near Sicily.
Collaboration in developing net-zero transport solutions
The use of climate-friendly technologies is helping to drive the energy transition. Our combined expertise in shipping and energy enabled us to understand the unique perspective of Liberty Lines and to balance this with the company’s longer-term objectives.
Key facts
3.5
millon
number of passengers transported annually by new fleet
€40+
million
financing secured to complete the project on time
30
knots
speed generated by the new MTU combustion engines
Penningtons Manches Cooper has played an important role in the completion of this landmark project. Its strong expertise has been crucial in enabling us to focus on delivering the complex infrastructure required on schedule.
Meet our team
Partner
Senior associate (Abogado)