The World’s Largest Battery-Electric Ship Sets Sail

The world’s largest battery-electric ship has officially started carrying passengers in South America, making its first commercial trip across the River Plate between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Colonia, Uruguay.

Built by Incat Tasmania for Buquebus, the 130-meter vessel named China Zorrilla can hold up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles. It relies entirely on a massive energy storage system featuring over 250 tons of batteries, which powers eight electric waterjets. Beyond its clean power, the ship features a huge interior with about 2,300 square meters of duty-free retail space.

Electrifying the Maritime Industry in a Big Way

The vessel’s official launch took place in Buenos Aires on October 21. For Incat Chairman Robert Clifford, seeing the vessel in commercial service marks a career highlight.

“This is a truly historic day for Incat, for Tasmania, and for the global maritime industry,” Clifford said. “For years, hundreds of talented people at our Hobart shipyard have worked tirelessly to bring this extraordinary vessel to life. We’ve overcome enormous technical challenges, pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible, and built something the world has never seen before.”

“To now see this ship carrying passengers in commercial service, powered entirely by batteries, is an incredible achievement and a moment of enormous pride for everyone who has been part of the journey.”

Incat is incredibly proud of what it has achieved. From the top down, Clifford explains that everyone involved deserves credit for an incredible milestone in the maritime industry.

 “This ship proves that large, high-capacity commercial vessels can operate on electric power, and that passengers can enjoy a completely different experience in the process, without the traditional diesel-engine noise, vibration or exhaust emissions,” he explained. “What makes this achievement even more special is that it all started in Tasmania. The skills, ingenuity, and determination of our workforce have delivered something that will be talked about in the maritime industry for years to come.”

What Riding the Ship Feels Like

Clifford pointed out that the quiet ride is what travelers will notice most.

“What really stands out is the passenger experience. When you’re aboard a vessel of this size, you naturally expect to hear and feel the machinery working beneath you. On Hull 096, that familiar engine noise and vibration aren’t there,” he noted. “It’s one thing to talk about what electric shipping can deliver, but it’s another thing entirely to experience it firsthand. I think passengers are going to be genuinely surprised by just how different this vessel feels.”