On 16 January 2026, Incat Tasmania began harbour trials for Hull 096 on Hobart’s River Derwent, marking the first time the 130 m vessel has moved using its own battery-powered electric drive. The program involves tightly managed movements to verify propulsion performance, manoeuvrability, control systems, and onboard operating performance in real-world harbour conditions.

The builder said the trials also mark the first time a ship of this size and passenger-vehicle capacity has operated solely on battery power, as the project shifts from construction into operational testing. Incat Tasmania Chairman Robert Clifford described the start of harbour trials as a critical milestone, adding that demonstrating self-powered movement at this scale supports the case for electric propulsion on large commercial vessels.

An industry source said the vessel will not travel to South America under its own power. After sea trials in Hobart, Hull 096—also known as China Zorrilla—is expected to be carried on a semi-submersible heavy-lift vessel. The source said the ferry is intended for short routes and can operate for about 90 minutes on a full charge. It is powered by over 5,000 batteries with a combined weight of about 260 t.