January 1, 2026
Hull yeah or hull nah?
Worlds largest electric ship launched by Tasmanian boatbuilder
Tasmania launches mega electric ferry; fans cheer, critics say 'ugly as hell'
TLDR: Tasmania’s Incat launched Hull 096, the largest all‑electric ferry, to run between Buenos Aires and Uruguay. Comments split between excitement (solar panels, local pride) and snark (calling it ugly), while techies debate aluminum builds, water jets, and battery weight versus oil‑powered ships—big step, big opinions.
Australia just dropped a maritime mic: Tasmanian builder Incat launched Hull 096, the world’s largest all‑electric ship. This 130‑meter ferry will shuttle up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles across the River Plate between Buenos Aires and Uruguay, powered by over 250 tonnes of batteries (about 40 megawatt‑hours) feeding eight electric water jets. Execs are calling it a “giant leap” and a potential blueprint for cleaner shipping in an industry that pumps out around 3% of global emissions. Sustainability experts say a busy ferry route is the perfect test bed. But the internet didn’t just clap — it had takes, memes, and open tabs.
First volley: looks vs. lungs. One blunt reviewer declared it “ugly as hell,” while locals flexed Hobart’s nautical brain trust and cheered the hometown build. The solar crowd immediately asked if that big flat roof is getting panels, and the engineers showed up with napkin math: aluminum instead of steel for weight savings, water jets for shallow rivers, and big questions about how its battery heft compares to oil‑burning ships. Memes called it a “floating power bank,” optimists dubbed it a stepping stone to electric cargo, and skeptics warned it’s just a flashy ferry. Verdict online: history in the making — but please, give it better vibes.
Key Points
- •Incat launched Hull 096 in Hobart, describing it as the world’s largest battery-electric ship.
- •The 130-metre vessel will operate between Buenos Aires and Uruguay, carrying up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles.
- •Hull 096 has more than 250 tonnes of batteries and over 40 MWh installed capacity, connected to eight electric-driven water jets.
- •Incat says the ship’s energy capacity is four times larger than any previous maritime installation.
- •Experts note the ship’s regular ferry route offers a useful case to evaluate electric shipping, with shipping responsible for 3% of global emissions per UNCTAD.