‘World’s largest’ electric ship measuring 130 metres launched by Incat
Australian boatbuilder Incat has launched what it claims to be the world’s largest battery-powered ship, marking a significant advance in sustainable maritime transport, The Guardian reported.
The 130-metre vessel, Hull 096, was built in Tasmania for South American ferry operator Buquebus and will operate entirely on battery-electric power. It is designed to carry up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles across the River Plate, between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Uruguay.
Equipped with over 250 tonnes of batteries and more than 40 megawatt-hours of capacity, Hull 096 powers eight electric-driven water jets. Incat describes the energy storage system as four times larger than any previous maritime installation. Chairman Robert Clifford called the project the company’s most ambitious and complex to date, expressing hopes to produce more sustainable ships globally.
Experts highlight the ship as a valuable test case for electrifying shipping, which accounts for 3% of global emissions. Dr Liam Davies from RMIT University noted that lessons from Hull 096 could guide future electric container and cargo ships, advancing low-emission maritime transport worldwide.
