Incat Tasmania has been recognised with the Project of the Year Award for Tasmania at the 2025 Weld Australia Awards, celebrating the company’s achievement in designing and constructing the world’s largest electric ship
At 130 m in length and designed to carry 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles, the vessel’s energy storage system delivers more than 40 MWh of stored energy – four times larger than any previous maritime installation in the world.
More than 900 tonnes of marine-grade aluminium were cut, formed, and welded by Incat’s workforce to produce Buquebus’s vessel’s structure, with welding quality and precision performed to the highest standards. “The result is a lightweight, high-strength vessel that demonstrates the capabilities of Australian advanced manufacturing on a global stage,” said a statement.
Accepting the award on behalf of Incat was The Honourable Peter Gutwein, the company’s strategic adviser, at a ceremony in Melbourne.
“This award recognises the exceptional skill, innovation and teamwork that went into delivering a project unlike anything built before,” Mr Gutwein said. “Hull 096 has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in large-scale aluminium fabrication and clean-energy shipbuilding, and it’s a credit to every tradesperson and professional who contributed to it.”
“Incat’s success with Hull 096 shows what Tasmanian innovation can achieve,” Mr Gutwein said. “It’s not only a milestone for our company but a defining example of how local expertise can help lead the world toward a cleaner maritime future.”
Hull 096 was launched in Hobart in May 2025 and will be delivered later this year to Buquebus, to operate between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Colonia, Uruguay – completing the journey entirely on battery power.
The Weld Australia Awards celebrate excellence across fabrication, engineering and advanced manufacturing, recognising projects and people that demonstrate innovation, technical mastery and commitment to the highest industry standards.
