Tasmania Launches World's Largest All-Electric Ferry to Transform Maritime Transport
The battery-powered vessel challenging shipping’s dependence on fossil fuels

Image: Interesting Engineering
Tasmania's Incat shipyard has unveiled the world's largest all-electric ferry, the China Zorrilla, designed for Buquebus. This 130 m catamaran, with a capacity for 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles, operates on a lithium-ion battery system, achieving zero emissions and a service speed of 25 knots. It is set to enter service in 2025-26.
- 01The China Zorrilla is a 130 m catamaran ferry built by Incat in Tasmania for Buquebus.
- 02It features a lithium-ion battery system with a capacity of 41.2 MWh, allowing for a service speed of approximately 25 knots.
- 03The ferry can carry 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles, making it a significant addition to maritime transport.
- 04Charging the ferry takes around 40 minutes, providing an endurance of about 90 minutes per charge cycle.
- 05Tasmania's electricity generation is primarily from hydroelectric and wind power, contributing to its low CO2 emissions.
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In a significant advancement for sustainable maritime transport, Tasmania's Incat shipyard has launched the world's largest all-electric ferry, the China Zorrilla, for the operator Buquebus, which serves routes between Uruguay and Argentina. Measuring 130 meters in length, the vessel can accommodate 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles. It is powered by a Corvus Energy lithium-ion battery system with a capacity of 41.2 MWh, enabling it to achieve a service speed of approximately 25 knots. The ferry, which has zero exhaust emissions due to its electric motors, is designed for high-speed operations in shallow waters and will be commissioned in 2025-26 in Hobart, Tasmania. This innovative vessel is equipped with eight battery packs, totaling around 5,016 modules and weighing 250 tonnes, and can perform its ferry run between Buenos Aires and Colonia del Sacramento in about one hour. Charging at the stations takes around 40 minutes, making it a practical solution for regional transport. Tasmania's reliance on hydroelectric and wind energy further enhances the environmental benefits of this new ferry design, marking a pivotal moment in the shift towards cleaner shipping practices.
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The introduction of the China Zorrilla is expected to reduce carbon emissions in regional ferry services, promoting cleaner transport options in South America.
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