China Zorrilla, world's largest electric ship, departs Tasmania

The world’s largest battery-electric ship, the China Zorrilla, has departed Tasmania to begin a 40-day transit to South America. Due to the limitations of current maritime battery technology for long-distance ocean crossings, the 130-meter aluminium catamaran is being transported via the semi-submersible heavy lift vessel Black Marlin.

Built by Incat in Hobart, the vessel was originally designed as an LNG dual-fuel ferry but was redesigned mid-construction to be fully electric. It features over 250 tonnes of lithium-ion battery capacity, provided by Corvus Energy and Wärtsilä, which is approximately four times larger than any previous maritime battery installation.

Once it reaches the Río de la Plata, the ship will undergo final commissioning. It is intended for service with the operator Buquebus, running regional routes between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Colonia, Uruguay, with a capacity to carry up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles.