An Australian shipbuilder has introduced what it claims to be the largest battery-powered vessel ever constructed, calling it a major breakthrough in eco-friendly marine transport.
The ship, Hull 096, was developed by Incat, a boatbuilding company headquartered in Tasmania. It was commissioned by South American ferry operator Buquebus to service the route between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Uruguay.
Unveiled in Hobart on Friday, the vessel is entirely powered by electric batteries and is capable of carrying 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles across the River Plate, which lies between the two countries.
Robert Clifford, Incat’s chairman, described Hull 096 as the most technologically advanced and significant project in the company’s 40-year history. “This is our boldest and most crucial innovation to date,” he said, expressing Incat’s ambition to produce more sustainable ships globally.
At 130 metres in length, the ship is not only the largest electric ferry but also the biggest electric vehicle of its kind ever assembled. Hull 096 features a 250-tonne battery system and an installed capacity exceeding 40 megawatt-hours, linked to eight electric water jet drives—a system four times larger than any prior maritime setup.
Stephen Casey, Incat’s CEO, noted the project demonstrates that large-scale, low-emission marine transport is now achievable.
According to UNCTAD, shipping contributes roughly 3% of global annual carbon emissions.
Dr. Liam Davies from RMIT University remarked that the ship provides an ideal opportunity to study electric shipping efficiency on a regular ferry route, potentially guiding future cargo ship electrification.
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