Corvus Energy has announced that the battery energy storage system (ESS) powering the largest battery electric ferry has been successfully delivered, installed, commissioned, and has entered commercial operation in South America.
The vessel, China Zorrilla, built by Incat Tasmania for Buquebus, has arrived in Argentina and underwent final testing before entering service between Argentina and Uruguay. Powered by more than 41MWh of Corvus Energy battery systems, China Zorrilla features the largest battery installation yet deployed onboard a ship and is considered a landmark achievement for maritime electrification.
In 2023, Corvus Energy announced its selection by Wärtsilä to supply the battery system for what was then envisioned as the world’s largest fully electric high-speed ro-pax ferry. The successful commissioning of the ESS is said to demonstrate how rapidly maritime electrification has advanced. What was once considered a ground-breaking concept has now entered daily commercial operation, carrying more than 2,100 passengers and over 225 vehicles across the Río de la Plata entirely on electric power.
Ole Jacob Irgens, EVP and Head of Sales, Corvus Energy, said: “The launch of commercial operations for China Zorrilla is a milestone not only for Corvus Energy, but for the entire maritime industry. This project proves that battery-electric propulsion is no longer limited to smaller ferries or short routes. We are now seeing large-scale, high-speed passenger vessels powered entirely by batteries. It demonstrates that the technology is ready and that maritime decarbonisation is accelerating globally.”
The Corvus Energy ESS installed onboard the China Zorrilla is approximately four times larger than any previous battery system deployed in commercial maritime service. The installation combines advanced battery technology and large-scale energy storage capability to support the demanding operational requirements of high-speed passenger transportation. The project marks a significant milestone for Corvus Energy’s battery technology platform, which has been developed specifically for the maritime sector and refined through more than a decade of operational experience across over a thousand vessel installations worldwide.
Irgens added: “Every project teaches us something, but this vessel sets a new benchmark. Successfully commissioning a battery system of this scale demonstrates the maturity, safety, and reliability of modern marine battery technology. We are proud to see our systems powering what will become an iconic vessel in the transition to zero-emission transportation.”
As the first fully electric ship of its kind in South America, China Zorrilla highlights how battery-electric shipping is becoming a global trend, extending well beyond early adopter markets in Northern Europe. Corvus Energy has simultaneously strengthened its regional support capabilities to ensure long-term operational success for customers in South America through local service partnerships, technical experience, and lifecycle support capabilities. The project is seen as a blueprint for future large-scale electric ferries, cruise vessels, offshore vessels, and other energy-intensive maritime applications.
Image: The ‘China Zorrilla’ is able to sail 1.5 hours on battery only, enabling 100% emission free sailing (credit: Buquebus)
