A new era in maritime transport has begun, with the world’s largest battery-electric ship officially entering commercial passenger service in South America.
The 130-metre CHINA ZORRILLA, constructed by Incat Tasmania for long-standing customer Buquebus, has completed its maiden commercial voyage between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Colonia, Uruguay, marking a historic milestone for the global shipping industry.
The commencement of service represents the culmination of years of design, engineering, innovation and construction, bringing to life one of the most ambitious and technically complex projects ever undertaken by the Tasmanian shipbuilder.
Powered entirely by batteries, the vessel is the largest electric ship ever constructed and is capable of carrying up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles across the River Plate.
The vessel’s entry into service followed an official launch ceremony in Buenos Aires on 21 October, attended by Incat Managing Director Craig Clifford, representatives of Buquebus and maritime authorities from Argentina and Uruguay. The occasion celebrated a landmark achievement in electric shipping and the longstanding partnership between Incat and Buquebus.
Incat Chairman Robert Clifford said the vessel’s entry into service was one of the proudest moments in the company’s history.
The vessel features more than 250 tonnes of batteries and an energy storage system exceeding 40 megawatt-hours, powering eight electrically driven waterjets. It also features an expansive passenger interior, including a duty-free retail area of approximately 2,300 square metres.
Source: Incat
