Incat Tasmania powers up the world’s largest battery-electric ship

ncat chairman Robert Clifford powered up the vessel’s eight Wärtsilä axial flow WXJ1100 waterjets in front of invited dignitaries who included Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell, Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff, and Her Excellency Barbara Baker, Governor of Tasmania. [Photo: Incat Tasmania]

Making maritime history, on December 14, Robert Clifford, chairman of Incat Tasmania, activated the largest battery-electric propulsion system ever installed on a ship for the very first time.

The powering up of Hull 096—the world’s largest battery-electric ship and the largest electric vehicle of any type on the planet—marked a watershed moment as the 130-meter long (426.5-foot) vessel moved a step closer to delivery.

Launched in May, the vessel has been constructed for South American ferry operator Buquebus, the vessel will operate entirely on battery-electric power when it enters service between Buenos Aires and Uruguay carrying up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles across the River Plate.

Clifford powered up the vessel’s eight Wärtsilä axial flow WXJ1100 waterjets in front of invited dignitaries who included Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell, Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff, and Her Excellency Barbara Baker, governor of Tasmania.

With more than 250 tonnes of batteries, the vessel’s energy storage system delivers over 40 megawatt-hours of installed capacity—four times larger than any previous maritime battery installation in the world.

Clifford said the moment is not only historic for Incat but for the global maritime industry.

“This is the first time a ship of this size, anywhere in the world, has been trialed under 100% battery-electric propulsion,” said Clifford. “It’s a remarkable achievement by our workforce and a turning point for shipbuilding.

“Tasmania has been at the forefront of international aluminum shipbuilding for decades, and today’s milestone shows we are now leading the world in the next era—sustainable, high-performance vessels at scale.

“We are proving that advanced manufacturing in Australia is not only alive but setting global benchmarks. This ship will stand as a flagship for what’s possible when industry, design, and clean-energy technology come together.”