HSC "China Zorrilla" is a electric roll-on/roll-off ferry, scheduled to commence operation by Buquebus on the River Plate between Montevideo, Uruguay and Buenos Aires, Argentina.
It was built in Hobart, Tasmania by Incat Tasmania and launched in May 2025. It is the largest fully electric ship, and largest fully electric vehicle of any kind, in the world.
History.
Incat's existing relationship with Buquebus has involved construction and delivery of the ship HSC "Francisco" to Buquebus in 2013.
Buquebus originally commissioned Incat to deliver a new ship to use dual-fuel propulsion, capable of operating on LNG and diesel. In 2023, Buquebus and Incat renegotiated their agreement, and revised the specification to make the ship fully battery-electric.
It was launched at Incat's facility on the Derwent River on 2 May 2025.
Design.
The vessel measures in length and is designed to carry up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles. Its propulsion system comprises eight electric waterjets powered by a 40 MWh battery system, weighing over 250 tonnes. This system, supplied by Finnish company Wärtsilä, features the largest battery ever installed on a ship, enabling the ferry to operate entirely on electric power. Incat states that the weight of the batteries is lighter than the equivalent diesel engine and associated components.
The ferry is equipped with a 2,300 square meter duty-free shopping area, the largest retail space on any ferry globally.