The Incat shipyard in Hobart, Australia, has launched Incat Hull 096. Constructed for South American ferry operator Buquebus, this will be the world’s largest battery-electric ship.
The launch took place on 2 May. When the ship enters service between Buenos Aires and Uruguay, it will operate entirely on battery-electric power, carrying up to 2100 passengers and 225 vehicles across the River Plate.
‘This is a historic day – not just for Incat, but for the future of maritime transport,’ says 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.’
Also read: World’s largest battery-powered vessel under construction
Ninth Incat vessel for Buquebus
The ship is the ninth Incat-built vessel for Buquebus, continuing a long-standing partnership between the two companies.
Buquebus President Juan Carlos López Mena: ‘When we were evaluating this new vessel, Robert 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 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.’
250 tonnes of batteries
The ship is equipped with over 250 tonnes of batteries and an Energy Storage System (ESS) boasting more than 40 megawatt-hours of installed capacity. The ESS, which is four times larger than any previous maritime installation in the world, is connected to eight electrically driven waterjets and supplied by 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,’ says 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.’
Also read: World’s fastest high speed LNG ferry
Sea trials later this year
Work will now continue completing the vessel’s interior, which includes a 2300-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 metres 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.
Picture by Incat.
