Latest news with #RobertClifford
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Shipbuilder quietly launches massive vessel with mission to reshape global travel: 'We're building the future'
Australian shipbuilder Incat has launched a first-of-its-kind electric ship that reaches over 420 feet in length and holds over 250 tons of batteries. This is a significant milestone in reducing the planet-harming pollution that comes from shipping and accounts for 2.9% of global pollution caused by humans. Stephen Casey, Incat's CEO, said at the unveiling of the ship, per Electrek: "We're not just building a ship — we're building the future." The vessel, dubbed the China Zorrilla, "proves that large-scale, low-emission transport solutions are not only possible, they are ready now." Electrek reported that the company built the vessel for the South American ferry operator Buquebus. The China Zorrilla will be able to carry 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles. Buquebus makes transport for travelers from Buenos Aires to Uruguay multiple times a day, meaning this electric vessel will dramatically cut down the impact of traditional ship and air travel. The China Zorrilla comes at a time when vessels like megayachts are facing criticism for their unparalleled environmental impact. Megayachts can emit over 22,000 tons of harmful carbon pollution per year. Other forms of transport, like air travel, make up another 2.5% of global pollution. Meanwhile, cars account for about 10% of global pollution. Incat's new fully electric ship means that travelers who may have once opted for personal yachts, commercial flights, or traditional travel by car now have the option to travel internationally fully electric. The benefits of electric ships are many. One article revealed that it is the oil and fuel pollution from boats and ships that pollute our waterways with everyday oil leaks, refueling, and engine pollution. Pollution in our waterways leads to public health impacts, such as damage to our drinking water and food supply. When compared to electric ships, such issues are nearly nonexistent. "Electric boats do not require any fuel and very little oil, so they are far less likely to cause any harm to wildlife or water users, making them a great way to significantly reduce water pollution," according to Electric Boats. The ship "represents a giant leap forward in sustainable shipping," said Robert Clifford, Incat's chairman, per Electrek. To Incat, it's not just a step forward for the company — "but for the future of maritime transport." Would you buy an EV if it only took 5 minutes to charge? Sign me up No way Depends on the cost Depends how much range it has Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Business Insider
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Insider
Electric ships are here — but they won't be crossing oceans yet
Electric shipping has reached a major milestone, but long-haul routes remain a distant dream. This month Australian shipbuilder Incat launched Hull 096, a 427-foot fully electric ferry built for South American operator Buquebus. The vessel, now docked in Hobart, Tasmania, is the largest electric vehicle ever built. It is designed to carry 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles across the Río de la Plata between Buenos Aires and Uruguay and is powered by about 275 tons of batteries. Incat's chairman and founder, Robert Clifford, said ships like Hull 096 are still best suited for short distances — not the open ocean. Density dilemma "There's not the slightest doubt that under 50 miles, electric will be virtually 100%," Clifford told Business Insider. "When you're talking 200 miles, it might only be 50%. Over that, it'd be zero at the moment." He said the main issue was the limited energy density of batteries, which still don't offer the same storage capacity per weight and volume as fossil fuels. That's why Incat is focusing on ferries for high-density, relatively short routes like those in the English Channel or the Baltic Sea instead of oceangoing ships. "We're ferry boat builders," Clifford said. "Even a very large ferry for most routes would not go over about 160 meters." Still, Clifford believes Hull 096 marks a turning point for clean maritime transport. "The ship changes the game," he said in a press release earlier this month. "We've been building world-leading vessels here in Tasmania for more than four decades, and Hull 096 is the most ambitious, most complex, and most important project we've ever delivered." The ferry boasts a 40 megawatt-hour battery — the largest installed on a ship — feeding eight waterjets designed by Finnish firm Wärtsilä. The interior, which includes a 2,300-square-meter duty-free shopping deck, is set to be completed this year ahead of trials on Tasmania's Derwent River. Buquebus had originally commissioned Hull 096 as a liquid natural gas-powered ferry, but Incat convinced the company to go electric. And while Clifford is bullish on the tech, he said real-world adoption depends on port infrastructure and customer readiness. "We simply need the shipowner to do their sums." He said there's been strong demand since Hull 096's launch and was in talks with a dozen "serious" clients from Europe and South America. "I've been in this entrepreneurial business for 30-odd years, and we've never had so many serious potential orders," he said. Growth challenge Still, scaling production in Tasmania is a massive leap. "We've been building one or two boats a year," Clifford said. "Building four or more large boats a year is a massive increase in the size of the company," which would require going from 500 to 3,000 staff, he said. "That's today's challenge — how do we transition to a significant shipbuilder?" Whether Tasmania becomes a global hub for electric shipbuilding remains to be seen. William "Boeing, for instance, had a small shipyard in Seattle," Clifford said. "It probably wasn't the best place in the world to start building airplanes. But he did, and then he sold 100 to the US Army. "He suddenly went from a small boat builder to a leading aircraft manufacturer all in a period of about a year or two. That sort of challenge is ahead of us."
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Incat unveils world's largest battery-electric vessel
Incat has launched its Hull 096, which is claimed to be the largest battery-electric ship in the world, at its Hobart shipyard in Australia. Constructed for the South American ferry operator Buquebus, the vessel's launch represents the ninth collaboration between Incat and Buquebus. At 130m long, Hull 096 is not only the largest electric ship but also the largest electric vehicle of its type ever constructed, according to the company. Hull 096 is set to operate on battery-electric power, facilitating the transport of up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles across the River Plate between Buenos Aires and Uruguay. The ship features more than 250 tonnes of batteries and an energy storage system (ESS) with an installed capacity exceeding 40MWh. The ESS is integrated with eight electric-driven waterjets developed in collaboration with technology partner Wartsila. Incat chairman Robert Clifford said: 'We've been building world-leading vessels here in Tasmania for more than four decades, and Hull 096 is the most ambitious, most complex, and most important project we've ever delivered. This ship changes the game.' Currently, efforts are focused on completing the interior of the vessel, which includes a 2,300m2 duty-free retail area, the largest shopping space on any ferry worldwide. The final stages of fit-out, battery installation, and energy system integration are scheduled to occur before sea trials later this year on the River Derwent. Incat CEO Stephen Casey said: 'Hull 096 proves that large-scale, low-emission transport solutions are not only possible, they are ready now. This is a proud day for Tasmania and for Australian manufacturing.' In December 2022, Incat Crowther delivered a new crew transfer vessel (CTV) to Goldsea Marine & Offshore Engineering in Shanghai. The Incat Crowther 32, built by AFAI Southern Shipyard in Guangzhou, China, features a spacious cargo area and can reach speeds of up to 25kt. "Incat unveils world's largest battery-electric vessel" was originally created and published by Ship Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Insider
06-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
This 400-foot electric ferry is powered by 275 tons of batteries. Its manufacturer calls it a 'giant leap forward' for shipping.
An Australian shipbuilder has launched the world's largest fully electric ship, marking a turning point for clean maritime transport. Incat, a Tasmania-based manufacturer, said the 400-foot-long Hull 096 vessel — the biggest electric vehicle ever built — runs entirely on battery power. Built for South American ferry operator Buquebus, it will carry 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles between Buenos Aires and Uruguay without using any fossil fuels. The ship's energy system includes more than 250 metric tons, or roughly 275 tons, of batteries and delivers over 40 megawatt-hours of capacity — four times as large as any previous maritime installation. It powers eight electric-driven waterjets supplied by Finnish tech firm Wärtsilä, which partnered on the project. "This ship changes the game," said Incat Chairman Robert Clifford. "We've been building world-leading vessels here in Tasmania for more than four decades, and Hull 096 is the most ambitious, most complex, and most important project we've ever delivered." Buquebus initially planned to operate the ferry on LNG but pivoted to electric power after Clifford proposed the switch. Tasmania's premier, Jeremy Rockliff, praised the launch as a landmark moment for Australian manufacturing. "Tasmania has long been a leader in maritime innovation, and Incat's latest achievement is a testament to our state's world-class shipbuilding capabilities and proud seafaring heritage," he said. The vessel also features a 2,300-square-meter duty-free shopping deck — the largest retail space on any ferry worldwide. Crews will complete the interior fit-out and begin sea trials later this year on Tasmania's River Derwent. "Hull 096 proves that large-scale, low-emission transport solutions are not only possible, they are ready now," said Incat CEO Stephen Casey.
NDTV
05-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
130-Metre-Long 'World's Largest' Electric Ship Launched In Australia
An Australian boatbuilder has launched the world's largest battery-powered ship, Hull 096. Built by Tasmanian manufacturer Incat, it measures 130 metres. Launched last Friday in Hobart, Hull 096 will operate as China Zorrilla, and can accommodate about 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles. It is named after a Uruguayan movie and theatre star. The battery-electric-powered vehicle ferry will travel between the city of Uruguay, Montevideo, two other Uruguayan towns, and the capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires, The Guardian reported. The interiors of the ship are incomplete, but it will have a 2,300-square-metre duty-free retail shopping deck, roughly the size of 100 typical Australian homes. Hull 096 features more than 250 tonnes of batteries and an energy storage system (ESS) with a current capacity of more than 40 megawatt-hours. The ESS is four times larger than any previous maritime installation and has connections to eight electric-powered water jets. The batteries of Hull 096 will power the ship for 90 minutes. Once completed, it would boast the biggest shopping area on any ship in the world, Incat said. Besides being the world's largest electric ship, Hull 096 is the world's "largest electric vehicle ever built" at 130 meters, it added. "We have over 40 years of experience building world-class vessels here in Tasmania, and Hull 096 is the most ambitious, complex, and significant project we have ever completed," Incat chairman, Robert Clifford, said. According to Clifford, Incat wants to construct "as many sustainable ships as possible for the international market, both here in Australia and overseas." "Hull 096 demonstrates that not only are large-scale, low-emission transport solutions feasible, they are now available," said Stephen Casey, CEO of Incat. Tasmania Premier Jeremy Rockliff said at the unveiling that the Australian state was now "a global leader in the push towards zero-emission technology" owing to the new electric ship.
