Incat’s brand-new battery-electric ship, Hull 096, has officially set off on its first journey after departing the River Derwent aboard the heavy lift vessel Black Marlin.
The vessel, which currently stands as the largest battery-electric ship in the world, is now travelling to South America following its departure from Tasmania.
Measuring in at 130-metres in length; the ship was designed and built by Incat Tasmania for South American ferry operator Buquebus, is expected to spend around 40 days in transit before arriving in South America, where it will be unloaded and commissioned before entering service between Buenos Aires and Colonia.
The departure marks one of the most significant milestones in Incat’s history.
Incat Chairman Robert Clifford said:Today is a proud day for everyone at Incat. Hull 096 has been the biggest and most ambitious project in our company’s history, and its departure is a testament to the skill, dedication and innovation of our entire workforce.
I want to sincerely thank every person who has contributed to this extraordinary achievement. Thousands of people have played a part in bringing this remarkable vessel to life, and they should all be incredibly proud of what has been accomplished.
We now look forward to seeing the world’s largest battery-electric ship arrive in South America and demonstrate the enormous potential of large-scale battery-electric technology in commercial ferry operations.
The largest battery-electric ship ever constructed, Hull 096 also features the largest battery energy storage system ever installed on a vessel. It has capacity for up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles, and will operate for Buquebus on the River Plate between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Colonia, Uruguay.
Work will now continue on Incat’s aluminium electric shipbuilding programme, with the company now developing the next generation of battery-electric and hybrid-electric vessels.
