Incat reaches milestone with first power-up of Hull 096, world’s largest battery-powered ship

Tasmanian ferry builder Incat has launched the world’s largest battery-powered ship, with ambitious plans to build more vessels and create 10,000 manufacturing jobs in the process.

Drone image of all-electric Incat ferry China Zorrilla destined for South America. Picture: Incat

The launch of the world’s largest battery-powered ship in Hobart has been hailed as a major step forward for the future of zero-emission technology and local manufacturing jobs, according to its makers.

Tasmanian ferry builder Incat reached a major milestone on Sunday in conducting the first power-up and e-motor trial of Hull 096.

Measuring 130 metres in length with capacity to carry up to 2100 passengers and 225 vehicles, Hull 096 is the largest electric vessel of its kind ever built.

It also boasts the world’s largest single-deck duty-free store spanning 2,300 square metres, and will soon embark on its first journey between Argentina and Uruguay as the passenger ship the China Zorilla.

At the launch which attracted dignitaries including Premier Jeremy Rockliff, federal ministers Julie Collins and Don Farrell, and former premier Peter Gutwein, Incat founder and chairman Robert Clifford said the vessel signaled an exciting new beginning for Tasmania’s maritime industry.

“I’m very proud of the work that’s gone into this ship, but the most significant part is that we actually have six more ships in production at the moment,” he said.

“When (Hull 096) one does go into service and is seen by the rest of the world shipping, I think we’ll have another six on top of that.”

Mr Clifford said Incat had long-term expansion plans that could lift the company’s manufacturing capacity to four vessels a year - provided it could secure a workforce of around 4,000 people.

“Then there’s the 10-year expansion plan when we get fully operational at Sorrell Creek. In conjunction with this place, we’ll need 10,000 workers to (build a ship a month),” he said.

“There are many thousands of ships possible.

“We’ve got the opportunity and we need to grab it in both hands and take it forward.”

Mr Rockliff said Tasmania’s position as a global leader in emissions reduction would attract the necessary workforce required to develop the state’s manufacturing industry, praising what the milestone represented about Tasmania’s “net zero brand”.

“There’s quite significant work (that) needs to be done in ensuring we have the employees,” he said.

“This is one of the challenges that Tasmania has … when it comes to our relatively small population and needing such a significant workforce … (but) we have the innovation and the capacity here in Tasmania to build things and build them well.

“This is the best example of what can be achieved in Tasmania (and) what this magnificent whole vessel does is really emphasise the fact we are net zero.

“To hear we have another six (similar) vessels on order is a tremendous achievement.”

Originally published as Incat reaches milestone with first power-up of Hull 096, world’s largest battery-powered ship