A 130-meter vessel built by Incat Tasmania has completed its first full battery-powered propulsion test, marking a turning point for large-scale electric ferries.
Battery electric ferry reaches a first-of-its-kind milestone
The Australian shipbuilder Incat Tasmania has achieved an unprecedented milestone in maritime engineering, delivering the world’s largest battery electric ferry ever built. The 130-meter vessel, known as Hull 096, has successfully completed its first 100 percent battery-powered propulsion test on the River Derwent, setting a global first for electric navigation at this scale.
A battery system without precedent in shipbuilding
At the core of Hull 096 lies an energy storage system that redefines industry standards. The vessel integrates more than 250 metric tons of batteries, with a total installed capacity exceeding 40 MWh. This figure is roughly four times larger than any previous battery application in the maritime sector.
“It is the first time in the world that a ship of this size has been tested with fully battery electric propulsion,” said Incat chairman Robert Clifford. According to Clifford, the project marks a turning point for the global maritime industry, showing what can be achieved when shipbuilding, design, and clean energy technologies converge.
Battery electric ferry service between argentina and uruguay
Following further testing and operational trials, the ferry is expected to enter service in the coming months on the route between Argentina and Uruguay, crossing the Río de la Plata. Once operational, the battery electric ferry will be able to carry up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles, operating entirely on battery power.
The vessel is designed for an operating autonomy of around 90 minutes, with a full recharge completed in approximately 40 minutes. Charging will take place directly at port berths, using dedicated high-power charging infrastructure.
A broader industrial strategy for electric ferries
The success of Hull 096 fits into a wider industrial strategy pursued by Incat. Just days after the record-setting test, the company announced a new contract to build a third high-speed battery electric ferry for the Danish operator Molslinjen.
Each of the three new vessels will be powered entirely by batteries, with an energy storage capacity of around 45 MWh and performance capable of exceeding 40 knots. These specifications underline how rapidly battery electric ferry technology is scaling up in both size and speed.
The achievement of Hull 096 shows that the energy transition in maritime transport has moved beyond the experimental phase. The integration of advanced naval design, large-scale battery systems, and port-side charging infrastructure is paving the way for a new generation of large battery electric ferries.
