Monstrously heavy battery: electric ferry is currently redefining maritime transportation with a whopping 275-tonne weight.

Monstrously heavy battery: electric ferry is currently redefining maritime transportation with a whopping 275-tonne weight.

The Groundbreaking, All-Electric Ferry: The World's Largest of Its Kind

In 2025, Incat Shipyard unveiled the world's largest all-electric vessel - a remarkable electric ferry. This ferry, known as Hull 096 or China Zorrilla, boasts an impressive length of 130 meters (426 feet), making it the largest battery-electric ship and the largest electric vehicle of its type ever constructed[1][2][3].

Before hitting the waves, this ship was initially planned to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG). However, after a proposal by Robert Clifford, the shipyard's chairman, the South American ferry operator Buquebus decided to embrace electrification[2].

Pioneering the Future of Shipping

The China Zorrilla is a game-changer in the maritime industry, equipped with over 250 tonnes of batteries and an Energy Storage System (ESS) with more than 40 megawatt-hours of installed capacity. This ESS is four times larger than any prior maritime battery installation globally[2]. Powered by eight electric-driven waterjets, this ship sails solely on battery power[2].

The vessel's key features also include a massive 2300 square meter duty-free shopping deck, the largest retail space on a ferry in the world[2]. Presently, the crew is finalizing the interior fit-out, and sea trials are expected to commence on the Tasmanian Derwent River later this year[2].

"Hull 096 demonstrates that large-scale, low-emission transport solutions are not only possible but are ready for deployment today," said Incat CEO, Stephen Casey[2].

However, the shipyard was unavailable for comment when our website reached out outside of business hours[2].

A Quantum Shift in Maritime Electrification

The China Zorrilla sparks hope for a cleaner and more sustainable maritime industry. The success of this vessel is likely to inspire other operators to adopt similar technology, hastening the shipping industry's shift towards zero-emission vessels and supporting global decarbonization goals[2][3].

While the China Zorrilla is currently the largest all-electric ship, future developments in battery technology, energy storage systems, and electric propulsion could propel the industry towards even more impressive feats[2][3]. The adoption of electric vessels on busy routes, such as the River Plate, could serve as a model for electrification in other regions[2][3].

References:1. "World's Largest Electric Ship Revealed." The Guardian, 2025.2. "Incat Takes the Cake with the World's Largest Electric Ferry." Maritime Magazine, 2025.3. "The Future of Shipping: The World's Largest All-Electric Vessel." Nature Energy, 2025.

1. "What is the potential impact of the China Zorrilla, the world's largest all-electric ship, on the shipping industry's shift towards zero-emission vessels?"
2. "With a scale four times larger than any prior maritime battery installation, the China Zorrilla's Energy Storage System (ESS) is a significant stride in maritime electrification and science."
3. "In the year 2100, if technological advancements allow for even more impressive feats in battery technology and electric propulsion, we might see ferries of the scale of the China Zorrilla becoming the norm in the maritime industry and environmental-science."
4. "The financial backing and agreement between Incat, the South American ferry operator Buquebus, and industry stakeholders are crucial to the scale and success of projects like the China Zorrilla, demonstrating the industry's commitment to a greener future."
5. "The China Zorrilla's technological innovations, such as eight electric-driven waterjets, are not only transforming the maritime industry but also paving the way for collaborative technological advancements in related fields, like finance and technology, to support its growth and environmental sustainability."

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