World’s Largest Battery-Electric Ship Begins Commercial Service in South America

The world’s largest battery-electric ship has officially entered commercial service, marking a major milestone for the maritime industry and the growing use of electric propulsion in large passenger vessels.

The 130-meter China Zorrilla, built by Australian shipbuilder Incat Tasmania for ferry operator Buquebus, completed its first commercial crossing between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Colonia, Uruguay, on October 22.

The high-speed catamaran can carry up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles across the River Plate, operating entirely on battery power without the need for conventional marine engines.

At the heart of the vessel is an energy storage system exceeding 40 megawatt-hours, made up of more than 250 tonnes of batteries. The system powers eight electrically driven waterjets, making China Zorrilla the largest battery-electric vessel ever constructed.

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