Wärtsilä to Propel the World’s Largest Battery Electric Ship: Incat Tasmania’s Groundbreaking Ferry for Buquebús.
Incat Tasmania has partnered with technology group Wärtsilä to equip their latest ferry, commissioned by long-term South American client Buquebús, with an unprecedented battery electric propulsion system and waterjets. This groundbreaking vessel, boasting an impressive 130-meter overall length, will not only be the largest of its kind but also the world’s inaugural zero-emissions lightweight catamaran. The order for Wärtsilä’s cutting-edge technology was confirmed in July 2023.
The uniquely designed vessel will be fully battery powered, with e-motor driven Wärtsilä waterjets as the main propulsors. The battery modules and energy storage system package is four times larger than on any electric/hybrid ship currently operating.
The full Wärtsilä scope of supply includes Wärtsilä’s own energy management system, the power conversion system, DC shore charging system, the 40 MWh battery modules, the DC hub, the eight electric motors, eight Wärtsilä axial flow WXJ1100 waterjets, and the ProTouch propulsion control system. Delivery of the Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for the latter part of 2024, and the vessel will be delivered in 2025.
The vessel will operate between Argentina and Uruguay. It will carry 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles.
Read the whole Wärtsilä Corporation, Press release 24 August 2023
Picture is from the same Press release © Wärtsilä Corporation