Incat Tasmania has loaded Hull 096, the world’s largest battery-electric ship, onto Boskalis’ semi-submersible heavy-lift vessel Black Marlin for transport to South America.
The operation took place on the River Derwent in Tasmania. Black Marlin was ballasted below the waterline before Hull 096 was manoeuvred above its submerged cargo deck.
The heavy-lift vessel then began refloating, gradually raising Hull 096 clear of the water. Final sea fastening and operational preparations will be completed before departure from Hobart.
The loading follows years of planning, design, engineering and construction at Incat Tasmania’s Hobart shipyard.
Incat Tasmania Chairman Robert Clifford said the operation was an important milestone for the company and the vessel’s development. He also said Hull 096 demonstrated that high-speed, large-capacity electric ferry transport was approaching commercial operation.
After arriving in South America, Hull 096 will be discharged and undergo final commissioning. The vessel will then enter service with Buquebus on a route between Argentina and Uruguay.
The ferry is equipped with a 41.2 MWh energy storage system using more than 250 tonnes of lithium-ion batteries. Charging is supported by a dual 8 MW DC system.
Its propulsion arrangement includes eight 2,400 kW electric motors and eight Wärtsilä WXJ 1100 waterjets. The vessel can reach 25 knots and has an operating endurance of 90 minutes per battery charge.
