Incat Tasmania says it has reached another defining moment in maritime history, with its large battery-electric ship commencing harbour trials in Hobart’s River Derwent for the first time.
This marks the first occasion that Hull 096 – considered the largest battery-electric vessel ever constructed – has moved under its own battery-electric propulsion, signalling the transition from construction to operational testing for the 130m long ship.
The harbour trials will see the vessel undertake a carefully managed series of movements on the Derwent, allowing crews to test propulsion, manoeuvrability, control systems, and onboard operational performance in real-world conditions. These trials are thought to represent the first time a ship of this size and passenger-vehicle capacity has operated solely on battery power anywhere, which the company believes represents a major step forward for large-scale electric shipping.
Incat Chairman Robert Clifford said: “This is the moment where the ship truly comes alive. Moving Hull 096 under its own battery-electric power is a world first at this scale and confirms that electric propulsion is viable for large commercial vessels. Harbour trials allow us to test how all systems perform together in the water. It’s a significant step towards delivery and another major milestone in the evolution of sustainable shipbuilding.”
The harbour trials form part of an extensive testing and commissioning programme that will continue in the lead-up to the vessel’s delivery to Buquebus in South America.
Image: Incat’s Hull 096 on trials (source: Incat Tasmania)
