Actv renews its fleet: €55 million for 19 hybrid vessels

TRIESTE – Actv is investing more than €55 million in 19 new hybrid vessels, launching the renewal of its lagoon fleet with deliveries scheduled between 2027 and 2029.

In Venice, tenders have been awarded for the construction of 6 outer-lagoon motor vessels and 13 diesel-electric waterbuses. The operation is part of the plan shared by the AVM group and the municipality to modernise local public transport, with the aim of increasing service efficiency and reducing environmental impact. The contracts were awarded to Cantieri Navali Vittoria of Adria and Giacalone Shipyard of Mazara del Vallo. The outer-lagoon vessels – four units worth €14.8 million, in addition to two already awarded for €7.1 million – will be deployed on lines 12 and 14, which connect Venice with the islands of the northern lagoon. The thirteen waterbuses, worth €33.8 million, will instead operate along the Grand Canal and the Giudecca Canal.

According to city councillor Michele Zuin, the investment forms part of the renewal of the in-house public transport contract and focuses on cleaner technologies and higher quality standards. For the AVM group, as explained by attorney general Mauro L. Valenti, the choice of diesel-electric hybrid propulsion is the result of years of testing and is now considered the solution best suited to the lagoon environment, with benefits in terms of fuel consumption and emissions. The new Series 400 motor vessels, already used on outer-lagoon lines, will have a capacity of close to 400 passengers and will be equipped with air conditioning, toilets, onboard information systems and facilities for passengers with disabilities. The first deliveries are scheduled from September 2027, with completion of the first batch by 2028.

The new waterbuses will be wider than the current ones, with a capacity of more than 200 passengers. They too will be equipped with updated onboard systems, air conditioning and dedicated accessibility spaces. The first unit is expected within two years, while the full order will be completed in just over three years.