Australia launches ‘world’s largest’ battery-power ship

SYDNEY: An Australian boatbuilder launched what it described as the world´s largest electric-powered ship on Friday, a 130-metre (426-feet) behemoth capable of carrying 2,100 passengers.

Identified by boatbuilder Incat as Hull 096, the aluminium catamaran is powered by more than 250 tonnes of batteries and was built for South American ferry operator Buquebus. It was designed to carry passengers and up to 225 vehicles across the River Plate between Buenos Aires and Uruguay.

“Hull 096 proves that large-scale, low-emission transport solutions are not only possible, they are ready now,” Incat CEO Stephen Casey said in a statement after the launch on Hobart´s Derwent River in the island state of Tasmania.

Shipping accounts for nearly three percent of global greenhouse gas emissions that are blamed for global warming, according to the United Nations´ shipping body the International Maritime Organisation. IMO member states voted last month in favour of a global pricing system to help curb maritime carbon emissions, with all ships to be required to use a less carbon-intensive fuel mix by 2028 or face financial penalties.