World’s Largest Electric Ship Launched in Tasmania

Tasmanian shipbuilder Incat has launched Hull 096, officially named China Zorrilla, the world’s largest fully battery-powered ship. Commissioned by South American ferry operator Buquebus, the 130-meter vessel will operate between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Uruguay, transporting up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles. The ship is powered by over 250 tonnes of batteries with an energy storage capacity exceeding 40 megawatt-hours—four times larger than any previous maritime installation—and can complete the river crossing in 90 minutes using eight electric water jets. It features a 2,300-square-metre duty-free shopping deck, the largest on any ferry globally. Industry leaders and sustainability experts hail the launch as a major advancement in clean shipping and a testament to Australia’s leadership in zero-emission technology. The project is also highlighted as a practical case study for maritime electrification as the shipping industry faces pressure to reduce its 3% share of global emissions.