Buenos Aires and Colonia, Uruguay are connected by the Rio de la Plata estuary, with ferry service offering a faster alternative to driving between the two cities. Buquebus, a major ferry operator, has introduced the China Zorrilla into service on this route, marking a significant development in maritime electrification.
Named after renowned Uruguayan actress and director Concepción “China” Zorrilla, the vessel was manufactured by Incat in Tasmania and represents a technological achievement in commercial shipping. The aluminum catamaran measures 130 meters in length and has capacity for 225 vehicles and 2,100 passengers. It features onboard dining and shopping amenities during its approximately one-hour crossing. The ship is powered entirely by eight 2,400 kW electric motors connected to water jets supplied by Wärtsilä, drawing energy from a 41.2 MWh battery pack supplied by Corvus Energy. Two 8 MW chargers handle battery recharging operations.
Industry representatives emphasized the efficiency advantages of the propulsion configuration. Roger Holm, president for marine power at Wärtsilä, noted the water jet system with electric motors represents the most efficient available option for this vessel class and speed range, while offering shallow draft capability and excellent maneuverability.
Incat leadership characterized the ferry’s entry into service as a historic milestone for the maritime industry’s transition away from fossil fuels. CEO Robert Clifford stated the achievement demonstrated that large commercial vessels with substantial transport capacity could operate successfully on battery power alone, representing a moment of significance for the shipyard and broader shipping sector.
Operational benefits of battery propulsion include reduced noise levels and elimination of exhaust emissions compared to diesel-powered vessels. The ferry was originally designed for liquefied natural gas propulsion following an order placement in summer 2023, with conversion to full battery-electric power occurring during development. Additional orders have materialized, with Incat currently constructing three 129-meter electric ferries for Molslinjen in Denmark to serve the Kattegat route.
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