Tasmanian shipbuilder Incat has unveiled what it claims is the world’s largest battery-powered ship, marking a significant milestone in sustainable maritime transport.
The vessel, named Hull 096, was launched on Friday and will soon begin operations between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Uruguay, under a contract with South American ferry operator Buquebus.
At 130 metres long, Hull 096 can carry up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles, making it not only the largest electric ship globally but also the largest electric vehicle of its kind ever constructed.
The ship is equipped with over 250 tonnes of batteries and boasts more than 40 megawatt-hours of energy storage — four times more than any previous marine installation. Power is delivered via eight electric-driven water jets.
Incat chairman Robert Clifford described the project as the company’s “most ambitious, complex, and important” to date, highlighting its potential to position Australia as a global leader in electric shipbuilding. “Hull 096 is a giant leap forward in sustainable shipping,” Clifford said.
CEO Stephen Casey emphasized the broader significance: “It proves large-scale, low-emission transport solutions are not only possible — they are ready now.”
The ship’s regular ferry route across the River Plate, which separates Argentina and Uruguay, presents a practical case study for maritime electrification. Dr Liam Davies of RMIT University said it could serve as a “stepping stone” toward electrifying larger vessels, including container and cargo ships.
The launch comes amid rising pressure on the global shipping industry, which accounts for about 3% of global emissions, to adopt cleaner technologies.
Hull 096 is set to depart for South America in the coming weeks.
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