World's Largest Electric Ferry Passes Safety Test

The world's largest electric vessel just cleared a major safety hurdle, bringing clean ocean travel one step closer to reality.

At the Incat shipyard in Hobart, Australia, hull 096 completed installation of its Marine Evacuation System last week. The vessel, powered entirely by electricity, is scheduled to begin operations on the Rio de la Plata in 2026.

The safety milestone is impressive in scale. Six 22-meter evacuation units were installed along the sides of the massive ferry, supported by 13 interconnected life rafts with capacity for 2,432 people.

Liferaft Systems Australia supplied the cutting-edge evacuation technology. The system ensures passengers can exit safely in an emergency, a crucial requirement before any vessel can welcome travelers aboard.

But the real story is what's powering this giant. Hull 096 carries 250 tons of batteries and boasts 40 megawatts of energy capacity, enough to travel up to 185 kilometers on a single charge.

That range makes it practical for real-world ferry routes. No diesel fumes, no emissions, just clean electricity moving thousands of passengers across the water.

The Ripple Effect

This vessel represents more than just one impressive boat. It proves that large-scale electric maritime transport isn't just a dream, it's ready for deployment.

Ferry systems around the world move millions of passengers daily, contributing significantly to transportation emissions. If this model succeeds, it could inspire ports globally to invest in similar zero-emission vessels.

The technology also creates jobs in clean energy manufacturing and shows shipbuilders that sustainable designs can meet rigorous safety standards. Australia's investment in this project positions the country as a leader in maritime innovation.

Every successful electric vessel built today makes the next one easier to fund and faster to construct. The infrastructure, expertise, and supply chains are growing stronger with each launch.

As hull 096 prepares for its maiden voyage next year, it carries more than passengers—it carries proof that we can move people cleanly across water at scale.