A groundbreaking moment in maritime engineering has unfolded in Hobart, Tasmania, with the launch of what is being called the world’s largest battery-powered electric ship. Known as Hull 096, the 130-metre ferry was unveiled on Friday by Tasmanian shipbuilding firm Incat, which has proudly described the project as the most complex and important in its four-decade history.
Constructed for South American ferry operator Buquebus, Hull 096 is destined to serve the busy passenger and vehicle route between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Montevideo, Uruguay. The massive vessel is entirely powered by electricity and represents a significant advance in green transportation, according to its manufacturer.
Engineering a Maritime Milestone
“Hull 096 proves that large-scale, low-emission transport solutions are not only possible, they are ready now,” said Stephen Casey, Incat’s chief executive officer, during the launch event. “This project is not just about building a ship — it’s about reshaping the future of maritime travel.”
The vessel is equipped with more than 250 tonnes of battery systems, boasting an astonishing 40 megawatt-hours of installed energy capacity. That capacity feeds into eight electric-driven water jets, allowing the ship to glide silently and efficiently across the River Plate, one of the world’s widest estuaries. According to Incat, this makes Hull 096 not only the largest electric ship ever constructed but also the most powerful electric vehicle of its kind.
Robert Clifford, Incat’s founder and chairman, declared the vessel a “giant leap forward in sustainable shipping,” adding that it’s the most ambitious and technically demanding project the company has ever delivered.
“We’ve been building world-leading vessels here in Tasmania for more than four decades,” Clifford said. “Hull 096 is the most ambitious, most complex, and most important project we’ve ever delivered. We hope to build as many sustainable ships as possible for the global market, both here in Australia and overseas.”
A New Chapter for Clean Maritime Travel
As the world grapples with the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Hull 096 stands as a beacon of what’s possible in sustainable transportation. The global shipping industry accounts for approximately 3% of annual global carbon emissions, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and transitioning to cleaner technologies is increasingly seen as a critical component of climate action.
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The vessel’s high-capacity battery system is a feat in itself. Its 40MWh power storage is nearly four times greater than any previous installation in a marine vessel, setting a new benchmark for energy storage on water. By comparison, most electric ferries currently in operation around the world feature battery systems ranging from 1 to 10MWh.
The ship’s electric propulsion system is paired with advanced controls to optimise energy use, reduce operating costs, and ensure minimal maintenance compared to traditional diesel-powered vessels. Incat estimates that the ship will operate with near-zero emissions when powered by renewable electricity, a vital step for operators looking to align with international decarbonisation goals.
A Strategic Route for Electric Innovation
The choice of route — across the River Plate between Argentina and Uruguay — is not coincidental. With a distance of about 200 kilometres and high passenger volume, the ferry line offers an ideal proving ground for high-capacity electric shipping.
Dr Liam Davies, a lecturer in sustainability and urban planning at RMIT University, said the deployment of Hull 096 on a regular route offers a valuable opportunity to gather data on performance, efficiency, and reliability. He believes the project could help shape the future of electrified shipping, particularly in the cargo sector.
“That is something that seems like a good use case and a good way to find what works and what doesn’t in terms of electric vehicle shipping,” Davies said. “Using that to learn how we effectively do electric shipping could act as a stepping stone towards container ships and cargo ships.”
In that sense, Hull 096 is not just a ferry — it’s a full-scale experiment in transitioning one of the world’s most energy-intensive transport sectors into the era of electrification.
International Attention and Domestic Pride
With its innovative design and bold ambition, Hull 096 is already drawing attention from the international maritime community. Global ferry operators, sustainability experts, and clean technology advocates are looking to Incat’s project as a model for the future.
The launch is also a moment of pride for Tasmania, which has built a reputation for shipbuilding excellence over several decades. Incat’s shipyard in Hobart has previously built dozens of high-speed catamarans for clients across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, but Hull 096 takes its capabilities to a new level.
“We’re proving that Australia can lead the way in the next generation of sustainable transport technology,” Clifford said. “This ship isn’t just for South America — it’s a message to the world that electric shipping is no longer a dream. It’s a reality.”
Next Steps: Testing, Deployment and Commercial Operation
Following its launch, Hull 096 will undergo final testing and sea trials before it makes the long journey to South America. Once delivered, it will become the flagship of Buquebus’s fleet and is expected to begin commercial operation by the end of 2025.
The company has yet to release specific details on charging infrastructure, but sources suggest that both Buenos Aires and Montevideo ports are preparing high-capacity charging stations powered by renewable energy sources, further reducing the ship’s environmental impact.
Implications for the Shipping Industry
While electric vehicle technology has rapidly advanced in land transport, the shipping sector has faced additional hurdles, including limited energy density, charging infrastructure challenges, and the immense power requirements of large ships.
Hull 096 shows that some of those barriers are now being overcome — and more quickly than anticipated. The ferry’s success could accelerate investment in similar vessels and drive innovation in the design of electric cargo ships, which would dramatically cut emissions from global supply chains.
Incat, meanwhile, is already eyeing further developments. With Hull 096 as its calling card, the company is positioning itself as a global leader in zero-emissions maritime solutions and hopes to secure additional contracts for electric ships from both passenger ferry operators and freight carriers.
Conclusion: A Turning Point for Clean Shipping
The launch of Hull 096 represents more than a technological feat — it is a milestone in the global push for decarbonisation. By proving that high-capacity, electric-powered vessels can operate at scale, Incat’s bold innovation may well inspire an entire new era of sustainable maritime transport.
From Hobart’s shipyards to the River Plate’s waters, Hull 096 is setting a new course — not just across continents, but toward a cleaner, more resilient transport future.
