Australian shipbuilding company Incat Tasmania has achieved a major milestone in maritime history.
The world’s largest battery-electric vessel ever built, Hull 096, completed its successful maiden e-motor trial in Hobart, Tasmania, on December 14, 2025.
The 130-meter (426-foot-long) vessel is designed to carry 2,100 passengers and over 220 vehicles. During the trial, the vessel initiated the operation of the largest battery-electric propulsion system ever installed in a maritime setting.
“This is the first time a ship of this size, anywhere in the world, has been trialled under 100 per cent battery-electric propulsion. It’s a remarkable achievement by our workforce and a turning point for shipbuilding,” said Robert Clifford, Incat Chairman.
“Tasmania has been at the forefront of international aluminium shipbuilding for decades, and today’s milestone shows we are now leading the world in the next era – sustainable, high-performance vessels at scale,” added Clifford, who powered up the vessel’s waterjets for the demonstration.
Battery power house
The vessel’s power source consists of an Energy Storage System (ESS) comprising more than 275 US tons (250 tonnes) of batteries. This system delivers an installed capacity exceeding 40 megawatt-hours (MWh).
Specifically, this capacity is four times that of any preceding maritime battery installation, showcasing the ship’s high electrical capacity and its groundbreaking status in sustainable shipping technology.
According to IEEE Spectrum, the ship’s battery system consists of 5,016 lithium-ion batteries housed in four rooms, divided into 12 arrays with 418 modules each.
The vessel uses the power stored in its massive battery system to drive eight electric water jets, enabling it to complete a 90-minute crossing across the river.
To address concerns about keeping the battery rooms cool, the battery system is air-cooled, with an individual fan assigned to each module.
Moreover, to ensure continuous operation, a dedicated charging infrastructure will be installed at both ends of the route. It is expected that charging a full battery will take just 40 minutes.
Additionally, Incat has announced a unique commercial feature: the ferry will house the world’s largest shopping area on any ferry, further distinguishing the vessel’s innovative design and passenger experience.
Sustainable shipping
The global shipping industry, which transports nearly 80% of the world’s cargo, is also a significant contributor to the climate crisis.
According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the sector accounts for approximately 3% of the world’s annual greenhouse gas emissions.
The ship was designed and built in Hobart, positioning Tasmania at the forefront of sustainable shipbuilding.
“We are proving that advanced manufacturing in Australia is not only alive but setting global benchmarks. This ship will stand as a flagship for what’s possible when industry, design, and clean-energy technology come together,” noted Clifford.
Constructed for the South American ferry operator Buquebus, this ship marks the ninth vessel Incat has built for the company. Initially, the ship was planned to be an LNG-powered ferry named China Zorrilla.
This test is the first of several trials planned for the innovative ferry before its scheduled departure for South America in the coming months.
The ship’s permanent route will be across the Rio de la Plata estuary, connecting the ports of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay.
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