World’s largest battery-electric ship enters commercial service on Argentina–Uruguay route

The China Zorrilla, described as the world’s largest battery-electric ship, has begun carrying passengers between Argentina and Uruguay. The 130-meter (426 feet) vessel, built by Incat Tasmania for ferry operator Buquebus, completed its maiden commercial voyage between Buenos Aires and Colonia across the River Plate, a 55 km or 34-mile journey. It can carry up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles.

The first passenger crossing followed an official launch ceremony in Buenos Aires on October 21. Incat Managing Director Craig Clifford, Buquebus representatives, and maritime authorities from both countries attended, marking the completion of years of engineering and construction at Incat’s Hobart yard.

The ferry carries more than 250 tonnes of batteries and has an energy storage system exceeding 40 megawatt-hours. The system supplies electricity to eight electrically driven waterjets. Its passenger facilities include a duty-free retail area covering about 2,300 square meters, along with accommodation for travelers making the crossing.

Incat Chairman Robert Clifford credited the Tasmanian workforce with overcoming the engineering challenges of building a battery-powered ship of this size. Craig Clifford traveled aboard the China Zorrilla during its first commercial voyage and said the absence of familiar machinery sounds and vibration was among the most noticeable differences for passengers.

Robert Clifford said the vessel’s operation demonstrated that large passenger and vehicle ferries could use electric propulsion in commercial service. Incat is also building three 129-meter battery-electric ferries for Danish operator Molslinjen at its Hobart shipyard, and two additional 78-meter hybrid-electric vessels are under construction there.