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https://thedriven.io/2026/08/10/worlds-largest-battery-electric-ship-leave-tasmania-piggy-backed-aboard-a-giant-heavy-lift-vessel/>
"The world’s largest battery-electric ship departed Tasmania last week,
beginning its long journey to South America aboard the mammoth heavy lift
vessel
Black Marlin.
Hull 096 is the name given to the battery electric ferry during its
construction and testing by Australian shipbuilder Incat Tasmania. Originally
intended to be a LNG-powered ferry, South American ferry operator Buquebus
decided in 2023 it would rather the ferry be 100 per cent battery-powered.
The
Black Marlin, one of the world’s largest heavy lift vessels, arrived in
Tasmania at the end of July – following months of delay caused by the blockage
in the Strait of Hormuz – ahead of its role in transporting
Hull 096 to South
America.
The
Black Marlin can partially submerge to allow vessels to manoeuvre into
place above the deck, before the vessel then pumps out the water ballast to
lift the vessel clear of the waterline for transport.
Hull 096 was loaded aboard the
Black Marlin last week in one of the most
complex maritime operations ever undertaken in Tasmania before officially
beginning a 40-day journey to South America.
Once it arrives,
Hull 096 will be unloaded, commissioned, and prepared to
enter regular service on the River Plate between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and
Colonia, Uruguay.
“Today is a proud day for everyone at Incat,” said Robert Clifford, Incat
chairman, who described
Hull 096 as a defining moment not only for the
company, but for the future of sustainable maritime transport.
“
Hull 096 has been the biggest and most ambitious project in our company’s
history, and its departure is a testament to the skill, dedication and
innovation of our entire workforce.
“We now look forward to seeing the world’s largest battery-electric ship arrive
in South America and demonstrate the enormous potential of large-scale
battery-electric technology in commercial ferry operations.”"
Share and enjoy,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
