China Zorrilla electric ferry arrives in Uruguay for unloading

The China Zorrilla, considered the world’s largest 100% electric ferry, is arriving at the port of Nueva Palmira, Uruguay, to prepare for service on the route between Buenos Aires and Colonia del Sacramento.

Built by the Australian shipyard Incat, the vessel was transported across thousands of kilometers aboard the semi-submersible ship Black Marlin. Because the port of Colonia lacks the necessary depth for such a large vessel, the unloading maneuver will take place in Nueva Palmira. The operation, scheduled for September 12, involves a ‘float-off’ procedure where the Black Marlin partially submerges its deck to release the ferry. This maneuver is expected to last between 24 and 48 hours and will be assisted by tugboats from Saam Towage.

Once unloaded, the China Zorrilla will be moved via the Uruguay River to Colonia. There, it will undergo technical testing, propulsion system checks, and final preparations before entering commercial service as part of the Buquebus fleet. The National Port Administration of Uruguay (ANP) noted that this operation demonstrates the capacity of the Nueva Palmira port to handle large-scale maritime operations.