Tasmania-based Incat Tasmania, a company that claims to produce pure-electric lightweight zero-emission ferries, announced that it is constructing the world’s largest lightweight battery-electric ship, measuring 130 meters in length.
This eco-friendly vessel is intended for delivery to Buquebus, a South American customer, and represents a significant advancement in sustainable maritime transportation.
The ship’s electric propulsion system aims to reduce emissions and promote environmental conservation.
Everything you need to know about the ship
Incat Tasmania is constructing the world’s largest battery-electric Ro-Pax ferry, measuring 130 meters in length. The 40MWh energy storage system (ESS) is four times larger than any other marine battery system ever constructed.
This innovation marks a significant advancement in sustainable maritime transportation. The batteries power a series of E-motors which drive the water jet propulsion system. The electrical system integration is by Wärtsilä and ESS by Corvus Energy.
Incat Tasmania’s battery-electric ships have garnered strong interest, prompting them to start work on their second, smaller battery-electric vehicle/passenger ferry.
Incat founder Robert Clifford says, “We are proud to be building in Tasmania this first-in-class ship for Buquebus who like us share a vision to be at the leading edge of low emission shipping in the world. This worldwide interest in Incat’s capabilities to deliver electric ships is a great opportunity for Tasmania and we expect this interest to magnify.”
“We are already increasing our workforce and have just finalised plans for the recruitment of at least another 200 employees over the next 12 months with the expectation that our workforce will more than double in coming years,” adds Clifford.
Incat’s MD, Craig Clifford says, “The build of the Buquebus ship is leading the world in this type of ship construction and will have leading-edge technology in terms of zero emissions propulsion and storage systems. Once in operation, the shore-side charging systems will have 50 per cent more capacity than any current installation worldwide.”
“The world’s first Incat Hull 096 will have a capacity for 2100 passengers and crew, 225 cars and will also include a Duty-Free Shop of over 2000 square metres on the one level.”
Clifford adds, “The Australian Federal Government has a clear plan for decarbonising the economy and with 100 per cent renewable energy and already net zero emissions having been achieved here in Tasmania we are ideally placed to build zero-emission ships for the world right here.”
“In fact due to Tasmania already having achieved overall net zero emissions, we are the only location on the planet that is able to construct zero-emission, battery electric ships in an already net zero emissions environment for our customers.”
Brief about Incat Tasmania
Incat is a shipbuilder known for constructing lightweight vessels using marine-grade aluminium. This lightweight design offers several advantages, including reduced power requirements for propulsion, leading to greater range at slower speeds or higher speeds on shorter routes.
Despite being much lighter than steel, aluminium maintains its strength, and Incat’s aluminium ships typically weigh around half as much as their steel counterparts. This lightweight construction results in increased energy efficiency, reduced environmental impact, lower maintenance costs, and improved manoeuvrability.
Currently, Incat supplies a 130-meter ferry for operation in Argentina and large Ro-Pax ships up to 112 meters in length for various regions worldwide. The company’s ferries from the 1980s are still in service in Australia, with two passenger craft in Port Philip Ferries and eleven on Sydney Harbour. However, they do not operate large vehicle/passenger ferries in Australian waters.
The shipyard in Hobart, Australia, has undercover building halls capable of constructing multiple vessels simultaneously, showcasing their shipbuilding capacity.
