Australian shipbuilder Incat has launched what it says is the largest ever fully electric powered ship.

Named Hull 96 for now, the boat has been commissioned for South American ferry operator Buquebus to carry passengers across the Río de la Plata from Argentina to Uruguay.

When completed, the ferry will be able to hold 2,100 passengers and 225 cars at any one time, and will be completely battery powered.

“This is a historic day – not just for Incat, but for the future of maritime transport,” said 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.”

The ship is the ninth Incat-built vessel for Buquebus, continuing a proud and long-standing partnership between the two companies.

“For me, it’s a true source of pride to see Buquebus’ vision come to life,” said 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.”

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 electric-driven waterjets and supplied by leading technology partner Wärtsilä.

“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.”

Work will now continue completing the vessel’s interior, which includes a 2,300 square metre 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.

“This ship puts Tasmania and Australia firmly on the world stage,” Clifford added. “We’re incredibly proud of what our team has achieved – and this is only the beginning.”