Incat's Electric Ferry Hull 096 Loaded for Argentina Trip

Heavy-Lift Loading on the River Derwent

Incat’s Hull 096, also known as China Zorrila, has been loaded onto the semi-submersible heavy-lift vessel Black Marlin ahead of its voyage to South America. According to Marine Insight, the operation took place on the River Derwent in Tasmania, where Black Marlin was ballasted below the waterline before the ferry was positioned over its submerged deck.

The loading marks a significant milestone in a project that Incat says has drawn global attention for its scale and ambition in sustainable ferry transport.

Chairman Highlights the Milestone

Incat Chairman Robert Clifford described the moment as extraordinary, saying: “This is an extraordinary moment, not just for Incat, but for the future of sustainable maritime transport.” Clifford added that Hull 096 demonstrates that high-speed, large-capacity electric ferry transport is close at hand. He also noted the significance of the vessel being designed and built in Tasmania, and said it would soon operate on one of the world’s busiest ferry routes.

Once it arrives in South America, Hull 096 will be offloaded from Black Marlin and commissioned before entering service with operator Buquebus.

Specifications of the Electric Ferry

Hull 096 measures 130 metres in length and is designed to carry around 2,100 passengers and 225 cars. Its energy storage system totals 41.2 MWh, drawing on more than 250 tonnes of lithium-ion batteries. The ferry charges through a dual 8MW DC charging setup and is powered by eight electric motors rated at 2,400 kW each.

Propulsion comes from eight Wärtsilä WXJ 1100 waterjets, giving the vessel a top speed of 25 knots. On a single charge, the ferry has an endurance of 90 minutes of continuous operation.

What Comes Next

With the heavy-lift loading complete, Hull 096 now begins its transit to South America aboard Black Marlin. Once offloaded, the vessel will undergo commissioning before joining Buquebus’s ferry operations on one of the region’s busiest crossing routes, according to Incat.

Apeks view — Heavy-lift transport is a routine but exacting phase: ballasting sequences, load positioning, and sea fastening all carry real risk before a vessel earns commissioning sign-off. For an operator taking delivery of a 130-metre electric ferry with a novel battery and charging system, the documentation trail from build through transit to commissioning matters as much as the specifications themselves. Owners should expect that trail, not just the milestone photos, before service begins on a high-traffic route.