Latest news with #StephenCasey
Yahoo
4 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.
Kuwait Times
04-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Australia launches world's largest battery-power ship
An aerial view of the launch of the Hull 096 aluminium catamaran, the world's largest battery-electric ship, at the Incat shipyard in Hobart in Australia's island state of Tasmania. -- AFP 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 aluminum catamaran is powered by more than 250 tons 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 Organization. IMO member states voted last month in favor 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. Environmental lobby groups however fear that a switch to biofuels has problems of its own, such as deforestation, and does not go far enough in addressing maritime emissions. Hull 096's batteries and Energy Storage System (ESS) will provide more than 40 megawatt hours of installed capacity, Incat said. The ESS was built by Finnish engine maker Wartsila and is connected to eight electric-driven waterjets. 'Ferries play a vital role in meeting the growing demand for environmentally sustainable transport options, with ship electrification a key solution for enabling the sector to transition towards net-zero emissions,' Wartsila Marine President Roger Holm said in the same statement. The ship was originally named China Zorilla and was planned to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG) before it was reconfigured to battery power. — AFP
New York Post
04-05-2025
- Business
- New York Post
World's largest battery-powered boat launches from Australia
The world's largest battery-powered ship launched this week in Australia. Hundreds gathered Friday at the Incat shipyard in Hobart to watch the official launch of the Incat Hull 096, which the boatbuilder boasted is the world's largest battery-electric ship. Incat said the Hull 096 represented a 'giant leap forward in sustainable shipping' and its 'most important' project to date. The Hull 096 can carry up to 2,100 passengers. Incat The Tasmania-based company built the ship for South American ferry operator Buquebus, which will run the vessel between the Argentinian capital, Buenos Aires, and Uruguay. The cost of the vessel was not made public. The Hull 096 can carry up to 2,100 passengers and hold 225 vehicles, and operates entirely on battery-electric power. It is both the largest electric ship and largest electric vehicle in the world. Incat Incat chairman Robert Clifford the company plans on building 'as many sustainable ships as possible for the global market, both here in Australia and overseas.' Eight electric-driven water jets propel the 426-foot-long Hull 096, which is also the world's largest electric vehicle. 'Hull 096 proves that large-scale, low-emission transport solutions are not only possible, they are ready now,' said Incat's chief executive, Stephen Casey. The ship is equipped with more than 551,156 pounds of batteries and an energy storage system with more than 40 megawatt-hours. Work continues on the vessel's interior, which includes a 7,546 square foot duty-free retail deck – the biggest shopping space on any ferry in the world.
Qatar Tribune
03-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Australia launches world's largest battery-power ship
Agencies 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 aluminum catamaran is powered by more than 250 tons 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 Organization. IMO member states voted last month in favor 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. Environmental lobby groups however fear that a switch to biofuels has problems of its own, such as deforestation, and does not go far enough in addressing maritime emissions. Hull 096's batteries and Energy Storage System (ESS) will provide more than 40 megawatt hours of installed capacity, Incat said. The ESS was built by Finnish engine maker Wartsila and is connected to eight electric-driven waterjets. 'Ferries play a vital role in meeting the growing demand for environmentally sustainable transport options, with ship electrification a key solution for enabling the sector to transition towards net-zero emissions,' Wartsila Marine President Roger Holm said in the same statement. The ship was originally named China Zorilla and was planned to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG) before it was reconfigured to battery power.
The Hindu
02-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Australia launches ‘world's largest' battery-powered ship
An Australian boatbuilder launched what it described as the world's largest electric-powered ship on Friday (May 2, 2025), 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 Organization. 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. Environmental lobby groups however fear that a switch to biofuels has problems of its own, such as deforestation, and does not go far enough in addressing maritime emissions. Hull 096's batteries and Energy Storage System (ESS) will provide more than 40 megawatt hours of installed capacity, Incat said. The ESS was built by Finnish engine maker Wartsila and is connected to eight electric-driven waterjets. "Ferries play a vital role in meeting the growing demand for environmentally sustainable transport options, with ship electrification a key solution for enabling the sector to transition towards net-zero emissions," Wartsila Marine President Roger Holm said in the same statement. The ship was originally named China Zorilla and was planned to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG) before it was reconfigured to battery power.
