China Zorrilla electric ferry arrives in Uruguay for final testing

The China Zorrilla, identified as the world’s largest battery-electric vessel, has arrived in Uruguay to begin final preparations for commercial service. After a 15,000-kilometer journey from Tasmania, Australia, aboard the heavy-lift ship Black Marlin, the vessel was floated off in Nueva Palmira and towed to the port of Colonia del Sacramento.

Built by the Australian shipbuilder Incat, the 130-meter ferry is designed to operate on the route between Colonia, Uruguay, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. The vessel features a massive battery system of approximately 40 MWh and is capable of transporting up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles.

Buquebus, the vessel's operator, expects to begin commercial operations within approximately 10 days following a series of technical tests, crew training, and the integration of specialized electrical charging infrastructure at the ports. The project aims to provide a sustainable, zero-emission maritime connection between the two countries.