Incat chairman Robert Clifford, “This is a historic day for the future of maritime transport”
Hundreds gathered at the Incat shipyard in Hobart this week to witness the launch of the world’s largest battery-electric ship.
Constructed for South American ferry operator Buquebus, Hull 096 is the most significant vessel ever built by Incat. When it enters service between Buenos Aires and Uruguay, it will operate entirely on battery-electric power, carrying up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles across the River Plate.
“This is a historic day – not just for Incat, but for the future of maritime transport,” said Incat chairman Robert Clifford. “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.”
The ship is the ninth Incat-built vessel 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 Buquebus president Juan Carlos López Mena.“When we were evaluating this new vessel, Mr Clifford told me, ‘The next ship I deliver to you will be 100% 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 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.”
Tasmania Premier Jeremy Rockliff congratulated Mr Clifford and the team at Incat for the craftsmanship and innovation that went into building the largest battery-electric ship in the world.
“Through hard work, determination, and ingenuity, Incat has built a globally significant battery-electric ship from its yard in Tasmania,” Premier Rockliff said.
“Incat epitomises what it means to be Tasmanian as it quietly pursues the extraordinary, strengthens Tasmania’s brand on the global stage, and continues 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.”
The ship is equipped with over 250 tonnes of batteries and an energy storage system (ESS) boasting more than 40 MWh of installed capacity. The ESS, which is four times larger than any previous maritime installation in the world, is connected to eight electric-driven waterjets and supplied by leading technology partner Wärtsilä. This combination of technology sets a new global benchmark for the shipping industry.
“We are proud to have collaborated with Incat and Buquebus in launching the world’s largest battery-electric ship,” said Wärtsilä Marine president and executive vice president at Wärtsilä Corp Roger Holm. “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.”
“We’re not just building a ship – we’re building the future,” said Incat chief executive Stephen Casey. “Hull 096 proves that large-scale, low-emissions transport solutions are not only possible, they are ready now. This is a proud day for Tasmania and for Australian manufacturing.”
Work will now continue completing the vessel’s interior, which includes a 2,300 m2 duty-free retail deck – the largest shopping space on any ferry in the world. Final fit-out, battery installation, and energy system integration will take place ahead of sea trials later this year on the River Derwent.
At 130 m in length, Hull 096 is not only the largest electric ship in the world, but also the largest electric vehicle of its kind ever built – and one of the most significant single export items in Australia’s manufacturing history.
“This ship puts Tasmania and Australia firmly on the world stage,” Mr Clifford added. “We’re incredibly proud of what our team has achieved – and this is only the beginning.”
