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Incat Tasmania electric ferry production and deployment

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2026-09-15 01:44 UTC → 2026-09-15 21:45 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Australian shipbuilder Incat Tasmania is expanding its production of large-scale battery-electric ferries for international markets. In August 2026, the company commenced the transport of Hull 096—the world's largest battery-electric ship—from Tasmania to South America. The 130-meter, 2,100-passenger vessel, to be named ‘China Zorrilla’, is being transported via the heavy-lift vessel Black Marlin on a 40-day, 15,000-kilometer voyage. Originally designed for LNG, the vessel was converted to full battery power and features over 40MWh of battery storage. As of mid-September 2026, the China Zorrilla has successfully completed its arrival and unloading process in Uruguay. Following the postponement of the float-off due to high winds, the vessel was floated off in Nueva Palmira and subsequently towed to the port of Colonia del Sacramento. The ferry is designed to operate on the route between Colonia and Buenos Aires, Argentina, with the capacity to carry 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles. Uruguayan officials, including the Minister of Industry, Energy, and Mining, noted that the arrival aligns with the country’s long-term energy strategy, which has prioritized renewable sources for over 15 years. Buquebus President Juan Carlos López Mena stated that the investment in electric technology aims to connect the two nations more efficiently while reducing environmental impact. Operator Buquebus expects to begin commercial operations within approximately 10 days. This timeline accounts for 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 Uruguay and Argentina.~~ Concurrently, Incat is constructing three 129-meter electric ferries for Denmark's Molslinjen. Following these deliveries, Incat Tasmania plans to focus on a new shipbuilding program involving five large aluminium electric vessels.

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