The world’s largest battery-electric ship departed Tasmania last week, beginning its long journey to South America aboard the mammoth heavy lift vessel Black Marlin.
Hull 096 is the name given to the battery electric ferry during its construction and testing by Australian shipbuilder Incat Tasmania. Originally intended to be a LNG-powered ferry, South American ferry operator Buquebus decided in 2023 it would rather the ferry be 100 per cent battery-powered.
The Black Marlin, one of the world’s largest heavy lift vessels, arrived in Tasmania at the end of July – following months of delay caused by the blockage in the Strait of Hormuz – ahead of its roll in transporting Hull 096 to South America.
The Black Marlin can partially submerge to allow vessels to manoeuvre into place above the deck, before the vessel then pumps out the water ballast to lift the vessel clear of the waterline for transport.
Hull 096 was loaded aboard the Black Marlin last week in one of the most complex maritime operations ever undertaken in Tasmania before officially beginning a 40-day journey to South America.
Once it arrives, Hull 096 will be unloaded, commissioned, and prepared to enter regular service on the River Plate between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Colonia, Uruguay.
“Today is a proud day for everyone at Incat,” said Robert Clifford, Incat chairman, who described Hull 096 as a defining moment not only for the company, but for the future of sustainable maritime transport.
“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.
“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.”
With the departure of Hull 096, Incat Tasmania now turns its full attention to its aluminium electric shipbuilding program.
Announced late last year, the program will see the construction of five large sustainable aluminium vessels at the company’s Hobart shipyard.
You can listen to a fascinating interview with Incat’s Robert Clifford on sister site Renew Economy’s Switched On podcast: SwitchedOn podcast: Inside the world’s largest battery electric ferry
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