Can you guess how much the battery of the world’s largest electric ship weighs? Take a guess. The battery of what they claim to be the world’s largest fully electric ship, the “China Zorrilla,” weighs an incredible 250 tonnes. That’s the weight of innovation setting (electric) sail on the Río de la Plata. Despite what the name might suggest, this groundbreaking ship has no links to the country we know as the People’s Republic of China. Instead, it’s named after renowned Uruguayan actress China Zorrilla, a beloved cultural figure in South America.
Hundreds gathered at the Incat shipyard in Hobart earlier this month to witness the launch of their latest innovation, the world’s largest battery-electric ship, as they claim. Commissioned by South American ferry operator Buquebus, the vessel will connect Buenos Aires and Colonia, offering a greener travel option. Initially planned to run on LNG, it was reconfigured into a fully electric ship through a collaboration between Incat Tasmania and Buquebus.
China Zorrilla and innovation at sea
The “China Zorrilla”, previously technically named “Hull 096”, marks a new chapter in sustainable maritime technology. Built by Australian shipbuilder Incat Tasmania, this 130-meter-long vessel is powered by a 40 MWh battery system. The battery, developed by Corvus Energy from Norway and Wärtsilä from Finland, allows the ship to operate with zero emissions. Imagine a vessel transporting up to 2,100 passengers and 225 cars while they plan to leave no carbon footprint behind.
Naturally, this also depends on the electricity the battery is charged with in ports and how long the battery’s overall lifetime is. If they want to keep the green stamp of sustainability approval, they’d need to run on renewable energy, not fossil fuel-based energy. Unlike Argentina, over 98% of Uruguay’s electricity is generated from renewable sources, primarily wind and hydropower. So if they could charge it in Uruguay for a round trip, it would be best from a sustainability point of view.
A tribute to a cultural icon
The ship’s name pays homage to China Zorrilla, a legendary actress celebrated on both sides of the Río de la Plata. Known for her work in theater and film, she was adored for her ability to connect people through her art. Naming the ship after her highlights her deep ties to the region and underscores the ferry’s role as a connector between two nations. While China leads in many areas of electric vehicles and transportation, this project demonstrates the capabilities of other regions.
The “China Zorrilla” combines Australian engineering expertise with European clean energy technology. It isn’t just a ship. It symbolizes what’s possible when technology, sustainability, and culture unite. Its plans for zero-emission operation and meaningful name set a course for a more connected and greener future. How long will the battery last? This remains to be seen.
YouTube: Incat Hull 096 Official Launch
By clicking play, you agree to YouTube's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Data may be shared with YouTube/Google.
Photo credit: All images shown are owned by the Incat shipyard and were provided as part of a press release. The feature image has been edited to remove people from the shot for privacy reasons.
Source: Incat press release / Statistics from the US ITA
Editorial notice: Update on the 19th of May—We incorrectly wrote that the route would be between Buenos Aires and Montevideo previously. Based on Incat’s feedback, we have now corrected this to Colonia.
