Meet the ‘world’s largest’ 100% electric ship: The over-420-foot EV monstrosity, China Zorrilla

The world’s largest fully electric ship was officially launched on Friday. At over 420 feet in length (130 meters), the China Zorrilla is the largest EV of its kind, boasting over 250 tons of batteries.

Incant launches the world’s largest fully electric ship

After launching its new vessel on Friday in Tasmania, Australian shipbuilder Incat said the historic moment “represents a giant leap forward in sustainable shipping.” Not only for the company, “but for the future of maritime transport,” Incat’s chairman, Robert Clifford, explained.

The Incat Hull 096 is 130 meters long, or over 426 feet. To give you an idea of how big that is, an average “Megayacht” is about 60 meters long (196 feet).

Incat built the vessel for South American ferry operator Buquebus. The ship can carry up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles and will run from Buenos Aires to Uruguay.

The 100% electric-powered vessel is equipped with over 250 tons of batteries. Incat claims that with over 40 MWh capacity, its energy storage system is “four times larger than any previous maritime installation in the world.” The system channels energy to eight electric-driven waterjets from Wärtsilä.

Work is being finalized on the vessel’s interior, which will include a 2,300 square meter “duty-free retail rack.” Once finished, it will be the largest shopping center on a ferry.

Incat has a few things to complete before sea trials later this year, including the final fit-out, battery installation, and integration of the energy storage system.

“We’re not just building a ship – we’re building the future,” Incat’s CEO, Stephen Casey, said at the event. The new vessel “proves that large-scale, low-emission transport solutions are not only possible, they are ready now,” he added.

The ship will run under the name “China Zorrilla” in honor of a Uruguayan film star who passed away in 2014.