Damen and Blue Water Unveil Autonomous Liberty Class Vessel
Damen Shipyards Group has entered into a significant licensing agreement with Boston-based Blue Water Autonomy to develop the Liberty Class, an innovative 60-meter autonomous ship. This vessel, designed collaboratively by both companies, boasts an impressive range of over 10,000 nautical miles and a payload capacity exceeding 150 tonnes. Construction is set to commence at Conrad Shipyard in March 2026, with the first unit expected to be delivered to the US Navy later this year as part of a strategic program.
Strategic Development for the US Navy
The US Navy is actively seeking to enhance its fleet capacity by integrating unmanned systems alongside traditional crewed vessels. The Liberty Class is designed to fulfill a variety of missions, including missile deployment, sensor operations, and logistics support. This versatility makes it a valuable addition to the Navy’s operational capabilities. The ship’s design allows for immediate production using existing US shipyards and commercial supply chains, streamlining the process of expanding the Navy’s fleet.
Blue Water Autonomy Launches Revolutionary Liberty Class Vessel
The Liberty Class will utilize Damen’s proven Stan Patrol 6009 hull design, which features the innovative Axe Bow. This unique vertical bow design allows the vessel to cut through waves efficiently, minimizing slamming and ensuring a smoother re-entry into the water. With over 300 Axe Bow vessels already in operation worldwide, this hull shape has demonstrated its reliability and performance, significantly reducing technical risks associated with the new build.
By leveraging this established design, Blue Water Autonomy can concentrate on re-engineering the internal systems of the Liberty Class for autonomous functionality. The resulting platform will not only maintain the hull’s performance and payload capacity but also enhance its seakeeping abilities, enabling extended deployments and facilitating serial production. This collaboration marks a pivotal step in the evolution of naval technology, aligning with the Navy’s goals for modernization and efficiency.
