Tasmania has just made maritime history with the launch of the world’s largest 100% electric ferry, marking a monumental step toward sustainable shipping and zero-emission sea transport. Built by the globally respected shipbuilder Incat, the 130-meter vessel — known as Hull 096 — has been custom-designed for South American ferry operator Buquebus.

Dubbed "China Zorrilla", the battery-powered vessel will serve routes across the Río de la Plata, connecting Uruguay’s capital Montevideo, other coastal towns, and Argentina’s Buenos Aires — all without burning a single drop of fossil fuel.

This battery-powered ferry can carry up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles, and it’s equipped with a massive 40 MWh energy storage system — the largest ever installed in maritime history. That’s four times more than any other ship currently in operation.

The ship’s design features:

Bob Clifford, Incat’s founder and chairman, called it the "biggest moment" in his nearly 70-year maritime career. “We’re not just building a ship — we’re building the future of marine transport,” Clifford said. “Green shipping technology is no longer a concept — it's operational.”

The launch also underscores Tasmania’s rise as a global leader in electric vessel construction and innovative shipbuilding. With plans to double production and construct up to four electric ferries annually, Incat is positioning Australia as a key player in green maritime logistics.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff highlighted the global implications: “This vessel sets a new benchmark in zero-emissions maritime transport, showcasing Tasmania’s engineering prowess.”

This launch is a direct response to global calls for decarbonization in shipping, a sector responsible for nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. As electric ships become more viable for short-sea journeys, the industry inches closer to carbon neutrality.

With keyword-heavy themes like future of maritime transport, electric ship innovation, and sustainable marine engineering, this story is already generating waves in both tech and shipping communities.

As the maritime world accelerates its shift to green shipping technology, Incat’s electric ship signals a new era in marine sustainability and battery-powered vessel engineering.