Blue Water Autonomy Launches Revolutionary Liberty Class Vessel
Blue Water Autonomy, based in Boston, has announced the details of its groundbreaking Liberty Class vessel, a 190-foot autonomous ship designed for long-range missions. With a remarkable range exceeding 10,000 nautical miles and a payload capacity of over 150 metric tons, this innovative ship is set to begin construction in March 2026 at Conrad Shipyard in Morgan City, Louisiana. The project aims to meet the U.S. Navy’s urgent operational needs while embracing modern autonomous technology.
Innovative Design and Construction Plans
The Liberty Class vessel will be constructed using Damen’s Stan Patrol 6009 hull design, known for its unique axe bow. This vertical bow design allows the ship to slice through waves efficiently, minimizing slamming and ensuring a smoother re-entry into the water. By utilizing this proven hull design, Blue Water Autonomy aims to reduce technical risks and focus on enhancing the vessel’s internal systems for autonomous operation.
Construction is scheduled to commence at Conrad Shipyard, which boasts a skilled workforce of 1,100 employees and a history of producing over 30 ships annually. The shipyard employs advanced shipbuilding techniques, including automated panel lines and welding methods, to support scalable production. “Conrad has a long history of building complex vessels for both commercial and government customers,” stated Cecil Hernandez, president and CEO of Conrad Shipyard. “We have the infrastructure and production readiness to begin construction and support serial builds.”
Once the first Liberty Class vessel is delivered, Blue Water plans to enter serial production, aiming to produce between ten to twenty vessels each year. This ambitious plan reflects the company’s commitment to meeting the Navy’s demands for advanced maritime capabilities.
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Autonomous Features and Operational Capabilities
To achieve full autonomy, Blue Water has re-engineered the vessel’s internal systems, including the engine room and mechanical and electrical configurations. The design incorporates fault-tolerant propulsion systems, enabling automated control and fault management with minimal human intervention. This innovative approach allows the Liberty Class vessel to operate effectively during extended deployments, with an operational range of approximately 10,000 nautical miles.
The name “Liberty Class” pays homage to the Liberty ships of World War II, which were produced rapidly to meet urgent national needs. Rylan Hamilton, CEO of Blue Water Autonomy, emphasized the significance of this project, stating, “The Liberty class reflects our focus on building autonomous ships designed for long-duration operations and repeat production.” By adapting a proven hull design and engineering it for unmanned operations, Blue Water aims to deliver a vessel capable of sustained missions without crew, aligning with the Navy’s pressing requirements.
Blue Water Autonomy has developed the Liberty Class entirely with private capital, a unique approach for a full-sized Navy ship, yet common in commercial markets. Collaborating with over 100 world-class suppliers, including Damen and Conrad, the company is poised to redefine maritime operations with its innovative vessel.
