A Milestone in Sustainable Maritime Innovation
A major leap forward in clean transport has emerged from Tasmania, where local shipbuilder Incat has launched what it claims to be the world’s largest battery-powered ship. Named Hull 096, the vessel represents the culmination of years of design, innovation and engineering, with its creators describing it as the most ambitious and complex project in their decades-long history.
The latest Buquebus ferry has been named to honour Uruguayan actor China Zorrilla. (Credit: ABC News/Ebony ten Broeke)
The Electric Giant: Hull 096
Built for South American Waters
Commissioned by South American ferry operator Buquebus, Hull 096 will serve passengers and vehicles between Montevideo in Uruguay and Buenos Aires in Argentina, crossing the River Plate. The vessel is expected to carry up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles, making it the largest electric ferry by capacity and dimensions ever constructed.
Hull 096 is set to head to South America, where it will ferry passengers between Argentina and Uruguay. (Photograph: Ethan James/AAP)
At 130 metres long, the ship stands not only as the largest battery-electric ship globally but also as the largest electric vehicle of its kind. Buquebus has named it China Zorrilla, in honour of the Uruguayan actor and cultural icon who passed away in 2014.
Unprecedented Battery Power
The vessel is equipped with more than 250 tonnes of batteries, delivering over 40 megawatt-hours of energy capacity. According to Incat, this is four times larger than any previous maritime battery installation. The energy storage system connects to eight electric-driven water jets, propelling the ship with zero direct emissions.
Chief Executive Stephen Casey highlighted the significance of the project, stating:
“Hull 096 proves that large-scale, low-emission transport solutions are not only possible, they are ready now.”
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Charging Ahead in Maritime Sustainability
Reduced Emissions, Real-World Application
Shipping is responsible for approximately 3% of global annual carbon emissions, based on estimates from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The launch of Hull 096 demonstrates that electrification in maritime transport is more than theoretical—it is already being deployed on commercial routes.
Dr Liam Davies, lecturer in sustainability and urban planning at RMIT University, noted:
“That is something that seems like a good use case and a good way to find what works and what doesn’t in terms of electric vehicle shipping.”
He added that lessons learned from regular ferry services could inform the transition to electric container and cargo ships in the future.
Hull 096’s superstructure shown during its construction in Hobart. (Credit: ABC/Incat)
Powering the Future
The ship’s batteries will provide enough energy for a 90-minute journey, with charging stations installed on both sides of the Río de la Plata. Founder and chairman Bob Clifford shared his vision for the future of electric marine transport:
“Today, the technology is good for 80 to 160 kilometres. It won’t be long until it’s good for 320km, and maybe in 10 years’ time it’s good for 640km.”
Clifford emphasised the benefits of lightweight ships, explaining that halving the ship’s weight reduces energy requirements and shortens battery charging time, crucial for efficient ferry operations.
“A lightweight ship that weighs half the weight of a steel ship will require half the electricity to drive it.”
Designed for Scale and Experience
A Floating Retail Space
The interior of Hull 096 is still under construction, with Incat planning to include a duty-free shopping area spanning 2,300 square metres—equivalent to about 100 standard Australian homes. Once complete, it will be the largest retail area on any ferry in the world, transforming the travel experience for passengers.
Origin of the Design
Interestingly, the ship was initially conceived as a liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessel, but Buquebus later made the switch to fully electric propulsion—underscoring the broader industry move towards renewables and carbon neutrality.
Global Recognition for Tasmanian Shipbuilding
Support from the State Government
Tasmania’s Premier Jeremy Rockliff hailed the project as proof of the state’s shipbuilding excellence and environmental leadership.
“Hull 096 will set a new global benchmark for clean, sustainable maritime transport,” he said at the launch.
“Incat epitomises what it means to be Tasmanian as they quietly pursue the extraordinary… and continue to support Tasmanian jobs and our economy.”
The Premier praised Incat for showcasing Tasmanian innovation on a global stage, adding that the project highlighted the island’s longstanding seafaring heritage and engineering capabilities.
Plans for Expansion
Incat’s Bob Clifford revealed ambitions to scale up production, with a goal of building two electric ships per year, potentially expanding to four vessels annually with additional infrastructure.
“Future plans will see from this plant here in Tasmania, in Hobart [a] doubling of production… I think that’s only the beginning.”
Clifford, who has nearly 70 years of experience in marine design and construction, was emphatic about the project’s significance:
“There is not the slightest doubt this is the biggest moment in that history. The electric ship industry is going to be huge.”
Setting a Course for Clean Marine Transport
With Hull 096, Tasmania has placed itself at the forefront of the electric shipping revolution. As the vessel prepares to depart for South America, it represents not only a technical achievement but a symbol of what’s possible in the race to decarbonise global transport.
