Incat Hull 096 – described as the world’s largest battery-electric ship – has been launched by Australian shipbuilder Incat at its Tasmanian shipyard.
Constructed for South American ferry operator Buquebus, Hull 096 is considered to represent a leap forward in sustainable shipping. 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.
Incat Chairman Robert Clifford said: “This is a historic day – not just for Incat, but for the future of maritime transport. 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 proud and long-standing partnership between the two companies.
Buquebus President Juan Carlos López Mena said: “For me, it’s a true source of pride to see Buquebus’ vision come to life. 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.”
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff added: “Through hard work, determination, and ingenuity, Incat has built a globally significant battery-electric ship from their yard in Tasmania. Incat epitomises what it means to be Tasmanian as they quietly pursue the extraordinary, strengthen Tasmania’s brand on the global stage, and continue 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 250t 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, is connected to eight electric driven waterjets and supplied by technology partner Wärtsilä.
Roger Holm, President, Wärtsilä Marine and EVP Wärtsilä Corporation, said: “We are proud to have collaborated with Incat and Buquebus in launching the world’s largest battery-electric ship. 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.”
Incat CEO Stephen Casey said: “We’re not just building a ship – we’re building the future. Hull 096 proves that large-scale, low-emission 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 2,300m2 retail deck – said to be the largest shopping space on any ferry. Final fit-out, battery installation, and energy system integration will take place ahead of sea trials later this year on the River Derwent.
At 130m in length, Hull 096 is not only the largest electric ship, but also the largest electric vehicle of its kind ever built
Clifford concluded: “This ship puts Tasmania and Australia firmly on the world stage. We’re incredibly proud of what our team has achieved – and this is only the beginning.”
Image: Incat Hull 096, a large battery-electric ferry for Buquebus (source: Incat Tasmania)
