Chna Zorilla is the world’s largest battery-powered ferry has taken to the water for its maiden voyage, showcasing technology that will soon be used by Molslinjen on its upcoming electric ferries.
Scandinavian motorists and passengers can soon cross the Kattegat in massive vessels carrying up to 1,500 passengers and 500 cars—powered entirely by electricity.
Historic Maiden Voyage in Tasmania
On December 14, maritime history was made off the coast of Hobart, Tasmania, as shipyard Incat Tasmania conducted the first fully electric sea trial of the battery-powered ferry China Zorrilla. Operating solely on battery power, the vessel demonstrated that electric propulsion is now viable at a scale previously considered unfeasible.
For Danish, Swedish and Norwegian ferry passengers, the milestone is more than a technical curiosity. The same shipyard is currently constructing Molslinjen’s future fully electric high-speed ferries for the Kattegat.
China Zorrilla measures 130 meters in length and can accommodate up to 2,100 passengers and more than 220 vehicles. During the trial, the ship’s eight electric waterjet units ran entirely on battery power, without assistance from fossil fuel engines. According to Incat, this marks the first time in history that a vessel of this size, weight, and capacity has operated purely on electricity.
The energy comes from a massive battery system weighing over 250 tons with more than 40 megawatt-hours of installed capacity. This makes the ferry the largest battery-powered ship—and the largest electric vehicle overall—ever built.
“This is the first time a vessel of this size has been tested with 100% battery-electric propulsion anywhere in the world. It’s a turning point for shipbuilding,” said Incat Chairman Robert Clifford, emphasizing that the project demonstrates the practical potential of modern ship design and clean energy technology.
The ferry was built for South American operator Buquebus and is intended for service between Buenos Aires and Uruguay. Additional trials are planned before full operation, but the insights gained already hold significant relevance for Scandinavia.
Significant Impact for Denmark
Just weeks ago, Incat and Molslinjen signed a contract for three fully electric high-speed ferries. According to Incat’s specifications, these Molslinjen vessels will be 129-meter-long catamarans, designed specifically for the Danish Kattegat routes between Aarhus–Odden and Ebeltoft–Odden. Each ferry will carry up to 1,500 passengers, including crew, and approximately 500 cars, placing them among the largest electric passenger ships in the world.
The ferries are designed as drive-through vessels, allowing vehicles and cargo to pass straight through, significantly reducing port turnaround times. Typical sailing time is around 90 minutes, followed by approximately 30 minutes of high-capacity AC charging at both ports. Land-based charging systems with up to 58 megawatts per side will enable rapid turnaround in line with the route schedule.
Propulsion is provided by eight electric motors with a combined output of approximately 52 megawatts, connected to eight waterjet units. The onboard battery system holds nearly 45 megawatt-hours of energy, and the ferries are also equipped with emergency and range-extending generators capable of running on HVO fuel.
