SYDNEY, May 2 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- An Australian shipbuilder launched the world's largest battery-powered ship, Xinhua reported on Friday.
Incat, a shipbuilder based in Australia's island state of Tasmania, built the vessel for South American ferry operator Buquebus to run on battery-electric power.
Measuring 130 metres long and equipped with over 250 tonnes of batteries, Hull 096 was launched from Incat's shipyard in Hobart, Tasmania.
Incat said that the vessel is the "largest electric vehicle of its kind ever built" and will carry up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles.
Chairman Robert Clifford said it was a "historic day" for the company and the future of maritime transport.
"We've been building world-leading vessels here in Tasmania for more than four decades, and Hull 096 is the most ambitious, most complex, and most important project we've ever delivered," he said in a statement.
Incat said that the vessel is equipped with an energy storage system (ESS) four times larger than any previous marine installation in the world.
The ESS is connected to eight electric-driven water jets for propulsion.
Incat chief executive Stephen Casey said that the project proves that low-emission transport solutions are "ready now."
Hull 096 will be subjected to sea trials later in 2025.
-- BERNAMA-XINHUA
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