Incat launches test operation of the world’s largest e-ferry
Incat launches test operation of the world’s largest e-ferry
Electric catamaran goes into operation for the first time
The Australian shipbuilder Incat Tasmania has started the first test operation of its new, battery-electric Ferries Hull 096.
This Ferries is currently the largest battery-powered ship in the world and marks a major step towards sustainable shipping.
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More InformationOperation planned between Argentina and Uruguay
Hull number 096 was specially built for the South American shipping company Buquebus and is scheduled to operate on the Río de la Plata
between Buenos Aires (Argentina) and Colonia del Sacramento (Uruguay) from next year. To the Ferries Buenos Aires – Colonia del Sacramento.
World’s largest battery system on board
The Ferries is 130 meters long and consists of a lightweight aluminum catamaran hull with two floats.
It offers space for up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles. A duty-free store with over 2,000 m² of space completes the on-board offering.
A particular highlight is the massive battery system with a capacity of around 40 megawatt hours (MWh) – around four times as much as previous battery systems on ships worldwide.
These energy storage systems are supplied by Norwegian specialist Corvus Energy.
High-tech drive from Wärtsilä
The electrical energy drives eight electric motors with water jet drive, which were supplied by the Finnish technology company Wärtsilä.
The axial flow waterjet technology ensures a shallow draft, high maneuverability and low maintenance costs – ideal for shallow estuaries such as the Río de la Plata.
The ship will also be charged using the world’s most powerful charging infrastructure currently available – on land in South America.
A milestone for green shipping
Incat CEO Robert Clifford speaks of a historic moment:
“This is the first time in the world that a ship of this size has been tested with a 100% battery-electric propulsion system.”
The Ferries is therefore a real milestone for international shipbuilding.
The project is supported by a loan of 60 million Australian dollars from the Tasmanian government.
Incat is also planning to expand its production capacity with a second shipyard in Boyer.
Launch expected for early 2026
Once the test runs in Tasmania have been completed, the ship will be transferred to South America.
The regular liner service is scheduled to start at the beginning of 2026 – setting new standards for sustainable large ferries.
