Incat Tasmania, an Australian high-speed shipbuilder based in Hobart, has begun harbour trials of what it says is the world’s largest battery-electric ship on the River Derwent.
The company said Hull 096, a 130-metre passenger and vehicle ferry, has moved under its own battery-electric propulsion for the first time, marking the transition from construction to operational testing.
The trials will involve a series of controlled movements to assess propulsion performance, manoeuvrability, control systems and onboard operations in real-world conditions.
Incat said the programme marks the first time a ship of this size and passenger-vehicle capacity has operated solely on battery power.
Incat Chairman Robert Clifford said the start of harbour trials was a critical moment for both the project and the wider maritime industry.
“This is the moment where the ship truly comes alive,” Clifford said.
“Moving Hull 096 under its own battery-electric power is a world first at this scale and confirms that electric propulsion is viable for large commercial vessels.”
“Harbour trials allow us to test how all systems perform together in the water. It’s a significant step towards delivery and another major milestone in the evolution of sustainable shipbuilding.”
The trials form part of a broader testing and commissioning programme ahead of the vessel’s delivery to South America.
