Electric Ocean Giant: Hull 096 Makes Waves in Sustainable Shipping

Australian shipbuilding company Incat Tasmania has begun sea trials for Hull 096, the world’s largest electric ferry. The 130-meter-long vessel features an aluminum hull and is powered solely by batteries. Trials are taking place on the Derwent River in Hobart, Australia, where the crew will perform a series of maneuvers to evaluate power, handling, and all systems’ performance in real-world conditions. “The movement of Hull 096 exclusively on electric propulsion is a world record at such a scale, affirming that electric power is viable for large commercial vessels,” stated Robert Clifford, chairman of Incat.

The ferry is equipped with more than 5,000 batteries with a total capacity of 40 MWh, which is four times the battery capacity of any other marine vessel. It is expected that during the trials, the ferry will be able to reach speeds exceeding 28 mph (25 knots). The batteries provide approximately 90 minutes of autonomous operation at cruising speed.

After completing the trials, the ferry will be delivered to South America and named China Zorrilla after the famous Uruguayan actress. It will operate between Montevideo (Uruguay) and Buenos Aires (Argentina) on the Buquebus company’s route. The distance between ports is about 34 miles (55 km), which the ferry can cover three times a day. Each trip will take about an hour, which fits within the 90-minute battery range.

The development of Hull 096 took more than two years. In October, engineers successfully connected the first of the ferry’s four battery rooms, and in December, they fully powered up the electric motors and water jets for the first time, paving the way for the current sea trials. To transport the 260-ton ferry from Tasmania to South America, Incat will use a specialized heavy-lift vessel. The ferry is too large to be towed over such a distance, so it will be loaded onto a transport vessel for its journey across the ocean.

Maritime transport is responsible for approximately 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making the development and adoption of electric vessels crucial for reducing environmental impact. Recent feedback from the trials indicates promising results, with experts noting the ferry’s efficient energy management and innovative incorporation of sustainable materials in its build. Comparatively, similar electric ferries are emerging globally, but Hull 096 stands out with its capacity and cutting-edge technology, signaling a significant step toward greener shipping.