The world’s largest electric ferry, built in Tasmania for a South American ferry operator, has been successfully loaded aboard a special heavy lift vessel ahead of its voyage to its new home in Argentina.
The loading was described by Incat, the ferry’s maker, as one one of the most complex maritime operations ever undertaken in Tasmania, saw the semi-submersible heavy lift vessel Black Marlin ballast beneath the waterline before Hull 096 (as the ferry is known for the moment) was manoeuvred into position above the submerged cargo deck.
“This is an extraordinary moment, not just for Incat, but for the future of sustainable maritime transport,” Incat chairman Robert Clifford said in a statement.
“For years we’ve watched this vessel evolve from an idea into reality, and today we’ve reached another incredible milestone in the most significant project in Incat’s history.
“Hull 096 has challenged convention at every stage. It represents the ingenuity, determination and craftsmanship of hundreds of people who believed we could redefine what was possible.”
Clifford says Hull 096 has attracted worldwide attention throughout its construction, reflecting the growing demand for large-scale sustainable ferry technology.
The 130 metre ferry will carry more than 2,000 passengers and 225 vehicles between Argentina and Uruguay entirely on battery power. Four battery rooms on board house more than 5,000 lithium-ion battery units, part of what is believed to be the largest battery installation ever put on a ship.
“This vessel has captured international attention because it demonstrates that the future of high-speed, large-capacity ferry transport is here today,” Clifford said.
You can listen to an interview with Clifford in sister site Renew Economy’s weekly Switched On podcast here: SwitchedOn podcast: Inside the world’s largest battery electric ferry
“We are incredibly proud that this technology has been designed and built in Tasmania and that it will soon be operating on one of the world’s busiest ferry routes.”
Hull 096 will now remain aboard Black Marlin while final sea fastening and operational preparations are completed ahead of the heavy lift vessel’s departure from Hobart in the coming days. It will enter into service between Argentina and Uruguay with ferry company Buquebus.
