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Incat Tasmania to deliver world’s largest electric ship

Shipbuilders Incat Tasmania are set to deliver the world's largest electric ship.

Incat Tasmania is at the forefront of the global movement to create pure-electric, lightweight, zero-emission ferries.

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The Australian shipbuilder is constructing the largest to date, lightweight battery-powered electric ship (130 metres in length) for delivery to its South American customer, Buquebus.

This ship, the Ro-Pax ferry, will be 100% electric. The energy storage system (ESS) battery storage at over 40MWh will be four times larger than any battery installation yet constructed and installed for the marine transport environment. 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 says interest in electric ships has been very positive. The company is now working toward the construction of a second smaller battery-electric vehicle/passenger ferry.

“We are proud to be building 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,” says Incat founder Robert Clifford.

“The worldwide interest in Incat’s capabilities to deliver electric ships is a great opportunity for Tasmania, and we expect this interest to magnify.

“We’re already increasing our workforce and have just finalised plans to recruit at least another 200 employees over the next 12 months with the expectation that our workforce will more than double in coming years.”

Incat managing director Craig Clifford says the Buquebus ship build is leading the world in this type of ship construction and will be leading-edge technology in zero emissions propulsion and storage systems.

“Once in operation, the shore-side charging systems will have 50% more capacity than any current installation worldwide,” says Clifford.

“The Incat Hull 096 will have a capacity for 2100 passengers and crew, 225 cars and a duty-free shop of over 2000 square metres on the one level.”

Clifford says the feedback from overseas has been extraordinarily positive and expects the company to see many more battery electric ships built in Tasmania.

“The opportunities for jobs and investment here in Tasmania are exceptional. The Australian Federal Government has a clear plan for decarbonising the economy, and with 100% 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,” he says.

“In fact, due to Tasmania already having achieved overall net zero emissions, we are the only location on the planet that can construct zero-emission, battery electric ships in an already net zero emissions environment for our customers.”

Photography: Incat

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