Incat Tasmania’s 130-metre battery-electric ferry, China Zorrilla, has entered commercial passenger service between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Colonia, Uruguay, becoming the world’s largest battery-electric ship to enter operation.
The vessel, known as Hull 096 during construction, was built by Australian shipbuilder Incat Tasmania for Uruguayan ferry operator Buquebus. It completed its maiden commercial voyage across the River Plate following an official launch ceremony in Buenos Aires on 21 October 2026.
The vessel is designed to carry up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles. Its entry into service marks a milestone for battery-electric propulsion in high-capacity commercial shipping.
China Zorrilla is equipped with more than 250 tonnes of batteries and an energy storage system with a capacity exceeding 40 megawatt-hours (MWh). The system powers eight electrically driven waterjets.
The vessel’s propulsion system enables it to operate without onboard diesel-engine exhaust emissions during battery-electric operation. Its design also reduces the engine noise and vibration associated with conventional diesel-powered vessels.
The ferry includes a passenger interior with approximately 2,300 square metres of duty-free retail space.
Incat Chairman Robert Clifford said:This is a truly historic day for Incat, for Tasmania and for the global maritime industry.
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 continuing construction work on other vessels at its Hobart shipyard, including three 129-metre battery-electric ferries for Danish operator Molslinjen and two 78-metre hybrid-electric vessels.
The entry into service of China Zorrilla provides an operational example of battery-electric propulsion being applied to a large passenger and vehicle ferry. Its subsequent performance in commercial service will help demonstrate how the technology works in regular high-capacity ferry operations.
