In a monumental leap toward sustainable maritime transport, Australian shipbuilder Incat has launched the world’s largest battery-powered ship, Hull 096. Measuring a massive 130 metres, the vessel was unveiled last Friday in Hobart, Tasmania, and will operate under the name China Zorrilla.
The vessel, named after a beloved Uruguayan movie and theatre icon, is set to run routes between Montevideo and other Uruguayan towns, as well as Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires. Once operational, China Zorrilla will accommodate approximately 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles, combining eco-friendly innovation with massive capacity.
Currently under final construction, the ship’s interiors are yet to be completed. However, Incat revealed that the ferry will feature a 2,300-square-metre duty-free shopping deck—making it the largest retail area aboard any ship globally.
Hull 096 is powered by more than 250 tonnes of advanced batteries and a 40 megawatt-hour energy storage system (ESS)—a maritime record. The ESS connects to eight electric-powered water jets, enabling the ship to operate for around 90 minutes on a full charge.
According to Incat, Hull 096 is not just the largest electric ship ever built—it also qualifies as the world’s “largest electric vehicle.”
“We have over 40 years of experience building world-class vessels here in Tasmania, and Hull 096 is the most ambitious, complex, and significant project we have ever completed,” said Robert Clifford, chairman of Incat.
The company aims to lead the global push for clean marine transportation. “Hull 096 demonstrates that not only are large-scale, low-emission transport solutions feasible, they are now available,” said Stephen Casey, CEO of Incat.
Tasmania Premier Jeremy Rockliff lauded the launch, stating the state had become “a global leader in the push towards zero-emission technology” thanks to the innovation behind Hull 096.
