U.S Navy To Get The New Liberty-Class Of Autonomous Ships

The U.S Navy is doing all it can to expand its fleet to beat China’s growing naval presence and also its rapidly multiplying fleet, both of which threaten the American presence in Indo-Pacific.

Recently, a Boston-based company called Blue Water Autonomy announced that they will be constructing the Liberty-Class of Ships, with the first vessel for the U.S Navy expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

After delivering the first ship, the company plans serial production, with 10 to 20 vessel buildings per year.

The ships have been named after the WWII Liberty vessels, which were made in large numbers to meet the demand of the country’s naval forces at that time.

The company is partnering with Damen, a Dutch shipbuilder, which will also handle the design aspect of this important project.

The ships will be built at Conrad Shipyard, which has 5 yards and 1100 workers who build 30 plus ships annually.

Per reports, construction will begin in March 2026.

The ships will be built on the Stan Patrol 6009, and the company selected this design because of its Axe Bow, a unique vertical bow.

Today, more than 300 such vessels are in operation. They are known for this hull shape, which slices through the waves while reducing slamming and allowing a slow re-entry into the water.

This design reduces risk as it retains payload capacity and seakeeping characteristics.

Liberty ships will be 60 m long, with over 150 tonnes of payload capacity and a 10,000 nm range. They will support an array of missions, including missile, sensor, and logistics payloads.

Rylan Hamilton, CEO of Blue Water Autonomy, said that the Liberty-Class will comprise autonomous vessels designed for long-term operations and repeat production.

The vessels will be able to sail without a crew and meet the naval requirements, he added.