Argentine Buquebus revolutionize maritime transport with world's largest 100% electric high-speed catamaran ferry

[earlyretirement]

Argentine-owned Buquebus is set to revolutionize maritime transport with the commissioning of the world's largest 100% electric high-speed catamaran ferry, currently under construction by Incat Tasmania in Australia. This vessel, known as Hull 096 and named China Zorrilla, represents a significant leap forward in sustainable shipping and maritime technology.

Key Features and Specifications

-Length: 130 meters
-Passenger Capacity: Up to 2,100 passengers
-Vehicle Capacity: 225–226 vehicles
-Propulsion: 100% battery-electric, powered by eight electric waterjets
-Batteries: Over 250 tonnes, with an energy storage system (ESS) exceeding 40 megawatt-hours—four times larger than any previous maritime installation
-Speed: Expected top speed around 37.5 knots
-Amenities: Includes a 2,300 m² duty-free retail deck (the largest shopping space on any ferry in the world), restaurants, and world-class facilities for passengers, including those with disabilities

Construction and Launch Timeline

Structural Completion: Achieved in October 2024, with the final passenger deck module installed

Launch: The vessel was launched on May 2, 2025, in Hobart, Tasmania
Sea Trials: Scheduled for later in 2025 on the River Derwent

Operational Date: Expected to enter service in October 2025, operating between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Uruguayan ports (Colonia and Montevideo) across the Río de la Plata

Technology and Environmental Impact

Zero Emissions: The ferry is fully battery-powered, resulting in zero emissions during operation

Power System: The vessel uses a sophisticated battery electric propulsion system supplied by Wärtsilä, featuring:

-40 MWh battery modules
-Eight permanent magnet electric motors
-Eight Wärtsilä WXJ1100 waterjets
-Smart energy management and DC shore charging systems
-Port Infrastructure: Buquebus is investing an additional USD 14 million in charging stations and transmission infrastructure to support the vessel's operations

Construction Sustainability: Incat Tasmania uses renewable energy in its shipbuilding processes, aligning with Tasmania’s net-zero emissions status since 2013

Significance and Industry Impact

This vessel is not only the largest battery-electric ship ever built, but also the largest electric vehicle of its kind, setting a new global standard for sustainable maritime transport.

The project is a milestone in public-private collaboration, driven by Buquebus’s and Incat’s commitment to sustainability and service excellence.

The ship’s advanced technology and scale demonstrate that large-scale, low-emission transport solutions are viable today, positioning Tasmania and Australia at the forefront of green shipbuilding.

As my friends know, I love all things electric. I was one of the first in the world to get the Tesla Model S when it came out in 2012. I was one of the first in the world to get the Tesla Model X and just got the Rivian R1S which is a beast! I ordered the Roadster convertible MANY years ago but like many things Elon Musk has promised, never delivered on. I'm giving up on that.

 

[Johnny]

As my friends know, I love all things electric. I was one of the first in the world to get the Tesla Model S when it came out in 2012. I was one of the first in the world to get the Tesla Model X and just got the Rivian R1S which is a beast! I ordered the Roadster convertible MANY years ago but like many things Elon Musk has promised, never delivered on. I'm giving up on that.

This is cool to see. I thought that BA could really use electric bus lines that are cleaner. The air pollution there seems to be much worse than other places. We live in San Diego where it is very clean.

Some don't know this but I live about a mile from Mike. I remember when he first got his Tesla Model S. Now everyone in our area has it but before in 2012 everyone would be like, "there's Mike". 🤣 There were no Teslas back then and Mike was the only one for a while that had one. He talked me into getting one many years later. I wanted to wait and see if they would survive. Now I have 2. Although his car was in the shop all the time in the early years!

 

[Uncle Wong]

I wonder what the batteries must look like on these huge boats. Does Argentina really have the charging infrastructure to change all of this electric? I've been to BA a few times in the summer when the power goes out. I wonder what happens if EV's get popular there. Can they support it?

This is cool to see. I thought that BA could really use electric bus lines that are cleaner. The air pollution there seems to be much worse than other places. We live in San Diego where it is very clean.

Some don't know this but I live about a mile from Mike. I remember when he first got his Tesla Model S. Now everyone in our area has it but before in 2012 everyone would be like, "there's Mike". 🤣 There were no Teslas back then and Mike was the only one for a while that had one. He talked me into getting one many years later. I wanted to wait and see if they would survive. Now I have 2. Although his car was in the shop all the time in the early years!

That would be so cool being one of the first owners of a Tesla. Lots of people have them in Dallas now. I really had a blast meeting you guys and spending some time with you both.

 

[camberiu]

I wonder what the batteries must look like on these huge boats. Does Argentina really have the charging infrastructure to change all of this electric? I've been to BA a few times in the summer when the power goes out. I wonder what happens if EV's get popular there. Can they support it?

No BA power grid couldn't handle if everyone went to EV. They struggle in the summer without any EV's. I can't imagine what it would be like with people using EV's but I heard Chinese makers like BYD were entering the market here.