Tasmania-based Incat has delivered on its promise to build the world's largest all-electric passenger ferry. The China Zorrilla was officially launched from its shipyard in Hobart. The vessel is 130 metres long and will be equipped with an impressive 40 MWh battery bank.
Battery bank
At 130 metres long, the new building is not only the largest electric vessel in the world, but also the largest electric vessel of its kind ever built. Moreover, the vessel is considered the epitome and major export product of the Australian manufacturing industry .
According to specifications, Hull 096 has an overall length of 130 metres and a width of 32 metres. Originally planned to run on LNG for ferry operator Buquebus, this ninth ship for China Zorrilla, but Incat's management had other plans and wanted to make history by building the China Zorrilla emission-free. The ship's hull is now finished and has received a fresh coat of paint in honour of the official launch. The huge Energy Storage System (ESS) has not yet been installed, but will add 250 tonnes to the ship's weight. According to Incat, this is four times larger than any previous maritime installation.
Impressive energy storage system
The China Zorrilla is equipped with an impressive energy storage system of more than 40 megawatt hours, consisting of more than 250 tonnes of batteries. This system powers eight electrically powered water jets, supplied by Wärtsilä, allowing the vessel to operate completely emission-free. These will propel the electric ferry across the Río de la Plata, between Buenos Aires in Argentina and a port in Uruguay once the ship enters service. Originally planned as LNG-powered, the ship was decided to be fully electric in 2023, marking a significant step towards sustainable maritime transport solutions
Large retail space
In addition to its technological innovations, the China Zorrilla also offers an unrivalled passenger experience. The ship has a capacity of 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles and features a 2,300-square-metre duty-free shopping area, the largest on a ferry worldwide . The ship's name honours famous Uruguayan-Argentine actress Concepción "China" Zorrilla, who was known for her contributions to theatre and film in both countries .
The launch of the China Zorrilla on 2 May 2025 marks a milestone in shipbuilding and highlights Incat's commitment to sustainable innovation. The project is seen as a major step forward in the maritime industry and highlights the possibility of large-scale, emission-free ferry services. The ship is expected to enter service by the end of 2025, heralding a new era of environmentally friendly transport between Argentina and Uruguay.
Key moments from its construction can be seen in a video below.
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