World’s largest electric ship with 275-ton battery power launches in Tasmania
With over 40 MWh of battery capacity, Hull 096’s energy system is four times larger than any previous maritime installation.
The world’s largest battery-powered ship, Hull 096, was officially launched in Tasmania. Built by shipbuilder Incat, this 426-foot-long (130 meters) vessel is the biggest electric vehicle of its kind ever constructed.
It has been commissioned by South American ferry operator Buquebus and is set to operate between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Uruguay across the Río de la Plata.
Named China Zorrilla, after a beloved Uruguayan actress, the vessel marks a historic shift toward clean energy in maritime transport. It will carry up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles using only battery-electric power.
“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.”
This is the ninth vessel that Incat has built for Buquebus. The partnership between the companies continues to drive innovation and long-term commitment to sustainability.