World’s Largest Fully Electric Ferry Arrives in Uruguay Following Delivery Voyage

The world’s largest fully electric ferry has arrived in Uruguay, completing her delivery voyage from Australia to her new owner.

Built by Australia’s Incat, the 130-metre China Zorrilla will be operated by Argentina-based Uruguayan customer Buquebus.

The ferry will carry 2,100 passengers and 225 cars at 25 knots across the Rio de la Plata from Buenos Aires to Colonia six times a day, all on electric power.

China Zorrilla is powered by four 2,400kW electric motors driving waterjets installed in her catamaran hulls. The propulsion setup also includes a lithium-ion energy storage system that produces 41.2 MWh.

The vessel’s batteries are charged using dedicated infrastructure at both stops of the ferry’s route. A charging time of 40 minutes will enable the vessel to sail one-way along the 55-kilometre stretch of the Rio de la Plata.

The original design brief had called for the installation of engines that operate on diesel and LNG. As construction progressed, however, both Buquebus and Incat agreed to make the ferry a fully electric vessel instead.

According to Incat, the switch to electric propulsion reduced the vessel’s overall weight, which then made it possible for smaller waterjets to be fitted.

China Zorrilla was was transported aboard Black Marlin, a heavy lift vessel operated by Boskalis.