China Zorrilla has entered commercial passenger service between Buenos Aires and Colonia, Incat Tasmania announced on 26 October. The 130-metre catamaran was built for Buquebus and is described by its builder as the world’s largest battery-electric ship.
Electric propulsion at scale
It can carry up to 2,100 passengers and 225 cars. A 41.2 MWh energy-storage system supplies eight electrically driven waterjets.
Battery operation avoids conventional engine exhaust during the crossing. Overall environmental performance also depends on how charging electricity is generated. Regular passenger service now offers an opportunity to assess large-scale electric propulsion in everyday operation.