Uruguayan operator Buquebus has commenced sailings of China Zorrilla, the world's largest fully electric ferry.
The 130-metre ferry constructed by Australia's Incat Tasmania has completed her maiden commercial voyage between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Colonia, Uruguay.
The battery-powered vessel can transport 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles.
China Zorrilla's entry into service followed an official launch ceremony in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, 21 October.
The vessel features more than 250 tonnes of batteries and an energy storage system exceeding 40 MWh, powering eight electrically driven waterjets. She also features an expansive passenger interior, including a duty-free retail area of approximately 2,300 square metres.
The vessel's batteries are charged using dedicated infrastructure at both stops of the ferry’s route. A charging time of 40 minutes will enable the vessel to sail one-way along the 55-kilometre stretch of the Rio de la Plata.
The original design brief had called for the installation of engines that operate on diesel and LNG. As construction progressed, however, both Buquebus and Incat agreed to make the ferry a fully electric vessel instead.
According to Incat, the switch to electric propulsion reduced the vessel’s overall weight, which then made it possible for smaller waterjets to be fitted.