Incat Tasmania's largest electric ship departs for South America

The world’s largest battery-electric ship, Hull 096, has departed Tasmania for a 40-day voyage to South America. Built by Incat Tasmania, the 130-metre catamaran is being transported via the heavy-lift vessel Black Marlin.

Originally designed to run on LNG, the vessel was converted to full battery power in 2023 following a decision by South American ferry operator Buquebus. The ship features over 40MWh of battery storage, making it the largest battery-electric vehicle of its kind. Once it arrives in the River Plate region, it will be commissioned for service on the route between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Colonia, Uruguay, carrying approximately 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles.

The loading process in Tasmania was described as one of the most complex maritime operations in the region's history. The Black Marlin utilizes a partial submersion technique to allow cargo to float into position before pumping out ballast to lift the vessel for transport. Following this delivery, Incat Tasmania plans to focus on a new shipbuilding program involving five large aluminium electric vessels.