By
Laura Hyde |
Incat Hull 096 – the world’s largest battery-electric ship at 130 metres in length – has been officially launched by Incat Tasmania at a ceremony at the shipyard in Hobart, Tasmania.
The ship, which has been named China Zorrilla, has been built for South American ferry operator Buquebus to accommodate 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles. It will operate entirely on battery-electric power on a route that crosses the River Plate between Buenos Aires in Argentina and Uruguay.
“This is a historic day - not just for Incat, but for the future of maritime transport,” said Robert Clifford, chairman of Incat. “We’ve been building world-leading vessels here in Tasmania for more than four decades, and Hull 096 is the most ambitious, most complex, and most important project we’ve ever delivered. This ship changes the game. We’re incredibly proud of what our team has achieved, and this is only the beginning.”
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Jeremy Rockliff, Tasmanian Premier, said: “Incat epitomises what it means to be Tasmanian as they quietly pursue the extraordinary, strengthen Tasmania’s brand on the global stage, and continue to support Tasmanian jobs and our economy. Tasmania has long been a leader in maritime innovation, and Incat’s latest achievement is a testament to our state’s world-class shipbuilding capabilities and proud seafaring heritage.”
Work will continue to complete the ship’s interior – including a 2,300 square metre duty-free retail deck – ahead of a final fit-out, installation of over 250 tonnes of batteries and an Energy Storage System (ESS) with more than 40 megawatt-hours of installed capacity, which is four times larger than any previous maritime installation. The ESS will be connected to eight electric driven waterjets and supplied by technology partner Wärtsilä.
“We are proud to have collaborated with Incat and Buquebus in launching the world’s largest battery-electric ship,” said Roger Holm, president of Wärtsilä Marine and executive vice president at Wärtsilä Corporation. “Ferries play a vital role in meeting the growing demand for environmentally sustainable transport options, with ship electrification a key solution for enabling the sector to transition towards net-zero emissions.”
China Zorrilla is the ninth ship Incat has constructed for Buquebus, continuing a long-standing partnership between the two companies.
“For me, it’s a true source of pride to see Buquebus’ vision come to life,” said Juan Carlos López Mena, president of Buquebus. “When we were evaluating this new vessel, Robert Clifford told me, ‘The next ship I deliver to you will be 100 per cent electric’. I replied, ‘Then the next one must be the one we’re commissioning today’. And with great courage, he said, ‘Together, we’re going to make history’. That’s how we began reconfiguring the China Zorrilla – originally planned to run on LNG – into a fully electric vessel. It’s a true milestone achieved between private companies, driven by our commitment to sustainability and our ongoing pursuit of service excellence.”
China Zorrilla’s sea trials will take place later in 2025.
Read more: Incat reaches construction milestone on world’s largest electric ferry