Incat Tasmania is leading the world in producing pure-electric lightweight zero-emission ferries and has nearly completed a ship for an international customer.
Australian shipbuilder Incat Tasmania has under construction the largest lightweight battery electric ship, coming in at 130 metres in length, and is being constructed for delivery to its South American customer, Buquebus.
This ship, the world’s largest battery-electric Ro-Pax ferry, will be 100 per cent battery electric. The energy storage system will be four times larger than any battery installation that has been constructed and installed anywhere in the world for the marine transport environment. The batteries power a series of E-motors which drive the water jet propulsion system. The electrical system integration is by Wärtsilä and ESS by Corvus Energy.
The interest in these battery electric ships is very positive and Incat is now working toward the construction of its second but smaller battery-electric vehicle/passenger ferry.
Incat Founder Robert Clifford spoke about what the ship means for the maritime industry.
“We are proud to be building in Tasmania this first in class ship for Buquebus who like us share a vision to be at the leading edge of low emission shipping in the world,” he said.
“Incat has always been an innovator and once again we are leading the world and the world is taking notice.
“This worldwide interest in Incat’s capabilities to deliver electric ships is a great opportunity for Tasmania and we expect this interest to magnify.
“We are already increasing our workforce and have just finalised plans for the recruitment of at least another 200 employees over the next 12 months with the expectation that our workforce will more than double in coming years,” Clifford said.
Incat Managing Director Craig Clifford further detailed the ship.
“The build of the Buquebus ship is leading the world in this type of ship construction and will have leading edge technology in terms of zero emissions propulsion and storage systems,” he said.
“Once in operation the shore-side charging systems will have 50 per cent more capacity than any current installation world-wide.
“The world first Incat Hull 096 will have a capacity for 2100 passengers and crew, 225 cars and will also include a Duty Free Shop of over 2000 square metres on the one level.”
Clifford explained that feedback has been positive from customers and the prospects for more jobs in Tasmania.
“The opportunities for jobs and investment here in Tasmania are exceptional.
“The Australian Federal Government has a clear plan for decarbonising the economy and with 100 per cent renewable energy and already net zero emissions having been achieved here in Tasmania we are ideally placed to build zero emission ships for the world right here,” he said.
“In fact due to Tasmania already having achieved overall net zero emissions we are the only location on the planet that is able to construct zero-emission, battery electric ships in an already net zero emissions environment for our customers.”
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