The largest battery-electric ship in the world is now in commercial service, marking an important step forward for the maritime industry and the rise of electric propulsion in large passenger ships.
The 130-meter China Zorrilla, built by the Australian company Incat Tasmania for the ferry operator Buquebus, made its first commercial trip between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Colonia, Uruguay, on October 22.
This fast catamaran can carry up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles across the River Plate, relying entirely on battery power without traditional marine engines.
At its core, the ship has an energy storage system that exceeds 40 megawatt-hours and consists of over 250 tonnes of batteries. This system powers eight electric waterjets, making China Zorrilla the largest battery-electric vessel ever built.
The ship is equipped with specialized high-power charging systems at terminals on both sides of the river, allowing it to recharge its batteries between trips.
The launch of commercial service followed an official ceremony in Buenos Aires on October 21, attended by Craig Clifford, Managing Director of Incat, Buquebus representatives, and officials from Argentina and Uruguay.
Incat's Chairman, Robert Clifford, called this achievement one of the company's proudest moments. He acknowledged the hard work of hundreds at Incat's shipyard in Hobart, who faced significant engineering challenges to bring the ship to life, highlighting it as one of their most ambitious projects.
Clifford stated, "This ship proves that large commercial vessels can run on electric power."
In addition to its impressive size and technology, China Zorrilla provides a better experience for passengers. Without diesel engines, the ship operates with much less noise and vibration, producing no direct exhaust emissions during trips.
Craig Clifford, who was on board during the ship's first commercial journey, noted that the difference in sound and feel was immediately clear. Passengers on a vessel of this size would typically expect to hear and feel powerful engines beneath them, but that familiar noise and vibration were largely absent.
The ferry also offers a wide range of passenger amenities, including about 2,300 square meters of duty-free shopping space.
The completion of this project is especially meaningful considering its evolution during construction. Initially designed to operate with dual-fuel engines capable of burning diesel and liquefied natural gas, the ship was ultimately re-engineered for full electric propulsion, which required significant design changes.
Its launch into service highlights the growing potential for battery-electric technology in large ferry operations, especially on routes where land-based charging facilities can support frequent crossings.
For Incat, this milestone is part of a larger trend towards building electric vessels.
The Tasmanian shipbuilder is currently working on three 129-meter battery-electric ferries for the Danish operator Molslinjen and two 78-meter hybrid-electric vessels at its Hobart facility.
With China Zorrilla now officially in service, the company has transitioned one of the maritime industry's most ambitious electric vessel projects from the shipyard into regular commercial operation.