The China Zorrilla, a battery-powered ferry built by Incat in Tasmania, entered service in Buenos Aires carrying passengers between Argentina and Uruguay. The vessel, named after a celebrated Uruguayan actress and director, represents a significant advancement in maritime electrification.
The 130-meter aluminum catamaran can accommodate 225 vehicles and 2,100 passengers on journeys lasting approximately one hour across the Rio de la Plata estuary. It is propelled by eight electric motors drawing power from a 41.2 MWh battery pack supplied by Corvus Energy, which can be recharged by two 8 MW chargers. The ship operates at 25 knots and offers dining and shopping amenities comparable to larger cruise vessels.
Industry officials characterized the achievement as a watershed moment for commercial shipping. Incat’s CEO Robert Clifford described the milestone as historic for the company, Tasmania, and the global maritime sector, noting that the team overcame substantial technical challenges to create a vessel previously thought impossible. The propulsion system originally called for liquefied natural gas when the vessel was ordered in mid-2023, but was later converted to battery-electric power.
Operating on battery power provides passengers with a quieter journey free from engine noise, vibration, and diesel exhaust. The vessel generates no direct emissions during operation, addressing environmental concerns associated with traditional maritime transport. The successful deployment demonstrates that large commercial ferries with substantial passenger and vehicle capacity can function entirely on battery propulsion.
Incat has secured additional orders following the China Zorrilla’s debut. The company is constructing three 129-meter electric ferries for Molslinjen in Denmark, which will service the Kattegat route. These developments signal growing industry momentum toward electrifying commercial shipping operations.
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