The world's largest battery-electric ship starts carrying passengers between Buenos Aires and Uruguay

The world's largest battery-electric ship has started carrying passengers across the River Plate between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Colonia, Uruguay, its builder Incat Tasmania said on 26 October. After a launch ceremony in Buenos Aires on 21 October, the ferry China Zorrilla completed its first commercial voyage for the operator Buquebus.

2,100 passengers on batteries alone

The 130-meter ship carries up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles. It is powered by more than 250 tonnes of batteries with an energy storage system of over 40 megawatt-hours, which drive eight electric waterjets. On board is a duty-free shopping area of about 2,300 square meters.

“This ship proves that large, high-capacity commercial vessels can operate on electric power.” — Robert Clifford, Chairman, Incat

The ship was not always meant to be electric. Its original design called for diesel and liquefied natural gas engines; during construction, Buquebus and Incat agreed to make it fully electric, which cut overall weight and allowed smaller waterjets, according to Baird Maritime. The ship was carried to South America on the heavy-lift vessel Black Marlin.

A 40-minute charge for a 55 km crossing

The crossing of the River Plate between the two cities is 55 km. Charging stations have been built at both ends of the route, and a 40-minute charge is enough for a one-way sailing, Baird Maritime reported. China Zorrilla, Incat's Hull 096, was built in Hobart, Tasmania. “This is a truly historic day for Incat, for Tasmania and for the global maritime industry,” Robert Clifford said at the launch, while managing director Craig Clifford said: “What really stands out is the passenger experience.”

More electric ferries are on the way

Incat says the ship is the largest electric vessel ever built. The yard in Hobart is also building three 129-meter battery-electric ferries for the Danish operator Molslinjen and two 78-meter hybrid-electric vessels.

Incat did not publish figures on charging time or expected fuel and emission savings for China Zorrilla. More stories on cleaner power are collected under clean energy.