Incat to build a world first electric ferry for South American customer

A Tasmanian shipbuilder is poised to build the world’s first large electric ferry for a big South American customer. Inside the massive deal>>>

Early designs of the electric powered ferry Incat is set to clinch a deal on to build for South American customer Buquebus.

TASMANIAN shipbuilder Incat is poised to build the world’s first large electric ferry for a big South American customer.

Incat founder and chairman Robert Clifford is expected to finalise a deal with Argentinian ferry operator Buquebus for the 130m ferry it is building to be battery electric rather than gas-powered.

“In my experience unless we see something come in from left field, this a done deal,” he said.

“The customer wants this to happen, we want this to happen, and whilst there are matters to be finalised, I am extremely confident that Incat can deliver this ground breaking ship.

“Obviously, there needs to be sufficient energy supply in the ports that the ship would visit but we understand that is progressing positively.”

Incat chairman Robert Clifford. Photograph Eddie Safarik.

Incat is currently building the lightweight ferry originally, intended to be powered by LNG, that will carry 2100 passengers and 226 vehicles for Buquebus.

The award-winning company, which employs hundreds of workers at its Derwent Park shipyard, has been asked to investigate the possibility of replacing the LNG power plant with a battery electric one. The ferry is due to be delivered in 2025.

If it is battery electric powered it would be the largest, lightweight, zero emissions ferry operating on any route in the world.

Mr Clifford said that the batteries and electric motors were being worked through with Incat’ suppliers “to ensure they can deliver the technology required in the time frame we need them”.

He said Incat had always been an innovator and the delivery of the ferry would cement it as the world leader in zero emissions, lightweight shipping.

“Zero emissions shipping is the future and Incat based in Tasmania, one of the few places on the planet which has already delivered net zero, is now poised to revolutionise the world’s shipping fleet by delivering the world’s first zero emissions, lightweight ship.”

Incat Managing Director Craig Clifford, Strategic Advisor Peter Gutwein and Chairman Bob Clifford. Picture: Chris Kidd

Incat managing director Craig Clifford said while there were challenges changing any design of a ship part way through the build, in simple terms, “this is just swapping one method of propulsion for another”.

“It will however have significant environmental benefits, and open up a whole new market for these types of vessels,” he said.

“We are working closely with the Tasmanian government, as we actively pursue this world first option, which will lead to more investment, jobs and opportunity for the State.”

Former Tasmanian Premier and Incat’s strategic adviser Peter Gutwein is excited at the prospects from the switch to a battery electric ferry.

“Delivering the world’s first large battery electric ferry would lead to exponential growth in the international market and we are already rolling out plans to significantly scale up our workforce and production facility,” he said.