World's largest '100 per cent electric' ship launched by Tasmanian builder IncatTopic:Marine Transport Industry1h ago1 hours agoFri 2 May 2025 at 3:03amIncat says Hull 096 is not only the largest electric ship in the world, but also the largest electric vehicle of its kind ever built. (ABC News: Ebony ten Broeke)abc.net.au/news/incat-launches-worlds-largest-battery-electric-ship-hull096/105243498Link copiedShareShare articleAt 130 metres long, Hull 096 is the largest electric vehicle of its kind ever built, with the maker saying it represents a "giant leap forward in sustainable shipping".The vessel, which was launched today in Tasmania by shipbuilder Incat, has been constructed for South American ferry operator Buquebus and will carry passengers across the Río de la Plata, between Argentina's capital Buenos Aires and Uruguay.The ship will operate as China Zorilla, named after a Uruguayan star of film and theatre who died in 2014.The electrical power system is said to be four times larger than any previous maritime installation in the world. (ABC News: Ebony ten Broeke)Buquebus' president says the ship originally started out as a vessel which would run on liquefied natural gas, but the plan was changed to be fully electric.
. (ABC News: Jess Davis)Building the world's largest electric ferryPhoto shows The world's largest electric ferry is being built in Tasmania.Over the centuries ferries have evolved from using paddles to steam engines, to burning diesel and gas. Can the humble ferry go all electric?It is equipped with over 250 tonnes of batteries and an energy storage system (ESS) with more than 40 megawatt-hours of installed capacity.The ESS is four times larger than any previous maritime installation in the world and is connected to eight electric-powered water jets.The vessel's interior, including a 2,300-square-metre duty-free retail shopping deck, is yet to be completed.It will make for the largest shopping space on any ferry in the world, Incat said.Hull 096, Incat's electric ferry, pictured during construction in Hobart. (Supplied: Incat)Turbines ready to be fitted during the construction phase. (Supplied: Incat)Engines being installed on Hull 096. (Supplied: Incat)A visualisation of what the charging stations will look like. (Supplied: InCat)The batteries on Hull 096 will keep the vessel running for 90 minutes and chargers will be installed on both sides of the Río de la Plata."Hull 096 will set a new global benchmark for clean, sustainable maritime transport and positions Tasmania as a global leader in the push toward zero-emissions technology," Premier Jeremy Rockliff said at the launch."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 superstructure of Hull 096, pictured during the construction phase in Hobart. (Supplied: Incat)Incat founder and chairman Robert Clifford at the launch. (ABC News: Ebony ten Broeke)Incat chairman and founder Bob Clifford said he had "been in the marine business for nearly 70 years and there is not the slightest doubt this is the biggest moment in that history"."The electric ship industry is going to be huge."The new Buquebus ferry has been named in honour of Uruguayan actor China Zorrilla. (ABC News: Ebony ten Broeke)Bob Clifford says Hull 096 is the "most ambitious, most complex, and most important project we've ever delivered". (ABC News: Owain Stia-James)Posted 1h ago1 hours agoFri 2 May 2025 at 3:03am, updated 6m ago6 minutes agoFri 2 May 2025 at 4:20amShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Top StoriesLittle-known entity comparing Dutton to Trump spends more than $400,000 on political Meta adsTopic:Australian Federal ElectionsPhoto shows A man in front of a billboard which says "the parties are the problem"Home owners far outnumber first-time buyers, so pollies ‘do the math’Topic:Property PricesPhoto shows A man outside his Qld home standing next to the fence at the front of the house'Stranded': Motorists describe chaos caused by scrap metal truck debrisTopic:Road Accidents and IncidentsPhoto shows A metal shard embedded in a tyreWhere the election will be won and lost — or left hangingTopic:Australian Federal ElectionsPhoto shows A stylised map shows Australia's 150 federal electorates as clusters of hexagons.Why Melbourne’s inner north has Labor worriedTopic:Federal GovernmentRelated storiesThis is no ordinary ferry. What's inside could transform shippingTopic:Alternative EnergyPhoto shows Aerial video of a ferry transitions to reveal 3D render of batteries within the shipRelated topicsAlternative EnergyArgentinaHobartMarine Transport IndustryUruguayTop StoriesLittle-known entity comparing Dutton to Trump spends more than $400,000 on political Meta adsTopic:Australian Federal ElectionsPhoto shows A man in front of a billboard which says "the parties are the problem"Home owners far outnumber first-time buyers, so pollies ‘do the math’Topic:Property Prices'Stranded': Motorists describe chaos caused by scrap metal truck debrisTopic:Road Accidents and IncidentsWhere the election will be won and lost — or left hangingTopic:Australian Federal ElectionsWhy Melbourne’s inner north has Labor worriedTopic:Federal GovernmentJust InCandidate labels voters in his electorate 'dumbest on this planet' Topic:Australian Federal Elections3m ago3 minutes agoFri 2 May 2025 at 4:22amComedian Alan Davies says he never remembers the facts from QITopic:Stand-Up Comedy11m ago11 minutes agoFri 2 May 2025 at 4:14amDoes more gas supply mean cheaper power bills for Australians? Here's what we knowTopic:Explainer25m ago25 minutes agoFri 2 May 2025 at 4:00amGlobal May Day protests held against Trump tariffs, administrationTopic:World Politics40m ago40 minutes agoFri 2 May 2025 at 3:45amMore Just InBack to top