The world’s largest battery-electric ship has officially entered into commercial passenger service in South America. Incat Tasmania constructed the 130-metre China Zorrilla for Buquebus.
The China Zorrilla has now completed its maiden commercial voyage between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Colonia, Uruguay. The commencement of service represents the culmination of years of design, engineering, innovation and construction, bringing to life one of the most ambitious and technically complex projects ever undertaken by the Tasmanian shipbuilder.
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Largest fully electric ship to date
Powered entirely by batteries, the vessel is the largest electric ship ever constructed and is capable of carrying up to 2100 passengers and 225 vehicles across the River Plate. The vessel’s entry into service followed an official launch ceremony in Buenos Aires on 21 October, attended by Incat Managing Director Craig Clifford, representatives of Buquebus and maritime authorities from Argentina and Uruguay. Watch a video of the China Zorrilla entering service for the first time below.
Clifford states that the vessel demonstrated that the transition to large-scale electric shipping is no longer simply a vision for the future. ‘This ship proves that large, high-capacity commercial vessels can operate on electric power, and that passengers can enjoy a completely different experience in the process, without the traditional diesel-engine noise, vibration or exhaust emissions.’
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250 tonnes of batteries
The vessel features more than 250 tonnes of batteries and an energy storage system exceeding 40 megawatt-hours, powering eight electrically driven waterjets. It also features an expansive passenger interior, including a duty-free retail area of approximately 2300 square metres.
With construction also underway at its Hobart shipyard on three 129-metre battery-electric ferries for Danish operator Molslinjen and two 78-metre hybrid-electric vessels, Incat is continuing to shape the next generation of high-speed ferry travel.
Picture: China Zorrilla has entered into service (photo Incat).
