Based in Hobart, Incat reported that each of Hull 096’s four battery rooms houses part of the 5,016 battery units being installed across the vessel. When complete, the ferry will carry approximately 250 tonnes of batteries with a total capacity of 40 MWh.
Incat Chief Executive Officer Stephen Casey said: “To stand inside one of these battery rooms really brings home the scale of what’s being achieved here. This vessel represents a step change for the global ferry industry, proof that large-scale, sustainable vessels are not only possible, but practical and commercially viable.” He noted that each battery room has been purpose-designed and precision-engineered to accommodate advanced energy storage modules, which will supply clean, reliable power to the vessel’s propulsion and onboard systems.
Hull 096 has been constructed for South American ferry operator Buquebus and is the largest aluminum ferry ever built, as well as the largest electric vehicle of its kind. When it enters service between Argentina and Uruguay, it will operate entirely on battery-electric power, transporting up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles across the River Plate.
The ship’s 40 MWh energy storage system, supplied and integrated by Wartsila and Corvus Energy, is four times larger than any previous maritime installation worldwide. This system powers eight electric waterjets, enabling fully electric propulsion.
The batteries are expected to allow Hull 096 to operate for up to 90 minutes per charge. Chargers will be installed at the ferry’s berths in Argentina and Uruguay, with a full recharge projected to take 40 minutes.
Casey added: “This isn’t just about building a ship, it’s about setting a new course for the future of clean maritime travel.” He emphasized that the combination of technologies deployed on Hull 096 establishes a new benchmark for the global shipping industry, demonstrating that large-scale, sustainable maritime operations are commercially feasible and operationally practical.
The project highlights a significant step in advancing electric-powered transport solutions for maritime operations, aligning with global trends toward low-carbon and sustainable shipping. Hull 096’s deployment is expected to influence future ferry designs and operational standards in the industry, showcasing the potential for high-capacity electric vessels on regional and international routes.
