On 2 May 2025 Incat Tasmania will launch Hull 096, the largest battery-electric ship ever constructed, and the largest electric vehicle of its kind ever built.
The ground-breaking vessel, bound for South America, stands as one of the most significant export achievements in Australian history.
“We have been building boats for more than 40 years, but this is the most important launch in Incat’s history by far,” said Incat Chairman Robert Clifford.
“Hull 096 is more than just a vessel – it’s a turning point for the maritime industry. The launch of the world’s largest battery-electric ship is a monumental achievement and a defining moment, not just for Incat, but for Tasmania, for Australia, and for sustainable transport worldwide.”
Commissioned by South American ferry operator Buquebus, this revolutionary ferry will transport over 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles between Argentina and Uruguay – powered entirely by battery-electric energy.
With a record-breaking 40-megawatt energy storage system, Hull 096 will quadruple the battery capacity of any existing ship on the planet. Carrying over 250 tonnes of batteries, this vessel redefines large-scale, low-emission transport, setting a new global standard.
At Incat’s Hobart shipyard, progress is advancing at full speed. The impellers and water-jets have been installed, marking another major step in the construction of this engineering marvel.
Key equipment, including cutting-edge propulsion and advanced energy storage systems, continues to arrive for installation, bringing this historic project closer to completion.
Inside, the vessel’s fit-out is on schedule, featuring the largest retail shopping space on any ferry in the world – spanning 2,300 square metres.
