The first e-propulsion trial paves the way for zero-emission ferries between South America and a green future.

Tasmania has achieved a world first and defining moment in maritime history – on 14 December 2025, where the Australian vessel Incat Tasmania has successfully completed its first sea trials. This is a significant technical milestone, given that Incat Tasmania is no ordinary ferry, but the largest fully electric vessel ever built, designated Hull 096. In the past few hours, it successfully completed the first test firing of its electric propulsion system at the Hobart shipyard.Incat  

Largest electric vehicle of any type on the planet

The powering of Hull 096 – the world’s largest battery-electric ship and the largest electric vehicle of any type on the planet – marks a watershed moment  built for the South American operator Buquebus, was launched in May and will now continue with further sea trials before delivery and transfer to South America, where it is scheduled to operate on the Argentina-Uruguay routes, with scheduled stops for shore-based electrical charging as the 130-metre vessel, capable of carrying 2,100 passengers and more than 220 vehicles, activated the largest battery-electric propulsion system ever installed on a ship for the very first time.

Celebration of Australian dignitaries

In front of invited dignitaries including Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell, Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff, and Her Excellency Barbara Baker, Governor of Tasmania, Incat Chairman Robert Clifford powered up the waterjets and delivered an impressive demonstration of the vessel’s propulsion capability.

The achievement is the first time 

The achievement is the first time a ship of this size, weight, and passenger-vehicle capacity has operated solely on battery power anywhere in the world. Designed and built in Hobart, the vessel represents a major leap forward in advanced manufacturing and confirms Tasmania’s position at the forefront of the global transition to sustainable shipbuilding.

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 The global maritime industry. 

Incat Chairman Robert Clifford said the moment is not only historic for Incat but for the global maritime industry. Adding “This is the first time a ship of this size, anywhere in the world, has been trialled under 100 percent battery-electric propulsion. It’s a remarkable achievement by our workforce and a turning point for shipbuilding,” Noted “This is the first time a ship of this size, anywhere in the world, has been trialled under 100 percent battery-electric propulsion. It’s a remarkable achievement by our workforce and a turning point for shipbuilding,” 

.Mr Clifford said the vessel demonstrates what Australian innovation is capable of delivering.“We are proving that advanced manufacturing in Australia is not only alive but setting global benchmarks. This ship will stand as a flagship for what’s possible when industry, design, and clean-energy technology come together.”

Powered by more than 250 tonnes of batteries, the vessel’s Energy Storage System delivers over 40 megawatt-hours of installed capacity – four times larger than any previous maritime battery installation in the world.

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Incat Tasmania , Robert Clifford  , Hull 096 , Australian vessel , World’s Largest Battery , -Electric Ship Powers Up , Australian Trade Minister