Latest news with #Tasmania-based
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.
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.
The Guardian
19-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Ferocious, cheeky or ‘nightmare fuel'? Meet Rum'un, Tasmania's new AFL mascot
A 'cheeky' Tasmanian devil that poos out footballs, growls like Nosferatu and is covered in papier-mache-like recycled fur has been unveiled as the new mascot of the state's long-awaited AFL team. Rum'un, which translates to Tasmanian slang for 'an odd or eccentric person; a scallywag, or someone cheeky' in the Macquarie Dictionary, made his debut as the Tasmania Devils' latest recruit at an event on Tuesday evening. He sashayed down the catwalk at Hobart's Theatre Royal with a slow run-up before bending down and emitting a 'Rum'un' roar, echoed with delight by attendees. 'I've got a very sneaking suspicion that this move is going to catch on,' the host, Jack Riewoldt, told the crowd, as the Devil launched into side-stepping dance to the backing of drums. Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email 'Bit of Raygun there from Rum'un, you beauty!' Riewoldt cheered. Rum'un was developed in partnership with the Tasmania-based Terrapin Puppet Theatre and input from schoolchildren across the island. His fur is made from recycled school polo shirts, track pants and disused backpacks. Lead maker Bryony Anderson said it was an 'unusual pairing' for Terrapin Puppet Theatre but the club was 'game to do it differently'. The nine-month long process started with a visit to a local wildlife sanctuary, discussing devil physiology, their threat to survival and what makes the animal unique. Anderson then visited 10 schools with green uniforms and received donations, which led to a week at a New Norfolk high school where students helped turn the items into strips of fur, which were sown on to the creature. It was a request from the students that Rum'un would do custom poos of the feathers or fur of opposing teams. 'The team will go out with all the stories of the schools built in [to the mascot],' Anderson said. 'We wanted it to be ferocious and punchy, not just big foam heads. We were told 'don't make it look like the Wiggles'.' Pointing to a article with the headline 'Australia horrified as Tasmanian team's mascot causes frenzy', Anderson said 'in Tasmania, there's quite a few people that'll be chuffed with that'. In coming weeks, Rum'un will embark on a tour across Tasmania, meeting communities across the island and representing the club before its planned AFL men's debut in 2028. Sign up to Breaking News Australia Get the most important news as it breaks after newsletter promotion The Tasmania Football Club chief executive, Brendon Gale, said the new recruit would 'be a great beacon of our club across the state'. 'The creation of Rum'un reflects our club – uniquely Tasmanian, handcrafted and created with grit and determination representing our whole island,' he said. 'Rum'un is also a little bit cheeky. These characteristics are all true to the Tasmania Football Club, a club that represents our whole state and who does things our way.' Social media users had a mixed reaction to Rum'un. 'It's a pinata,' one TikTok user commented on a video which showed the devil ingesting and excreting an AFL football. 'That mascot is actually nightmare fuel,' another said, 'kids are going to be terrified'. 'This is legitimately cool. All the people cringing at it aren't having fun, but I am!' another user commented, while one simply said: 'That's fucked. I love it.' The release of the name and look of the mascot comes a year after the Tasmania FC revealed its club name and colours. The club has attracted 207,000 founding members before its AFL launch. On Tuesday, the Devils refreshed their $10 membership offer which attracted significant support last year.
