In a world-first for maritime engineering, Incat Tasmania powered up the largest battery-electric Ferry ever constructed and successfully completed its first electric motor trial on 14 December 2025 in Hobart, Tasmania.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
Incat Chairman Robert Clifford said the moment is not only historic for Incat but for the global maritime industry. “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. Tasmania has been at the forefront of international aluminium shipbuilding for decades, and today’s milestone shows we are now leading the world in the next era – sustainable, high-performance vessels at scale.”
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.”
Today’s test was the first in a series of trials for the groundbreaking ferry before it departs for South America in the coming months.
