Focus — Which country does the world’s largest electric ferry belong to?

RIO DE LA PLATA, September 14 /ATSH-ANSA/ — A 100% electric passenger ferry, described as the largest of its kind in the world, arrived today in Uruguay after setting sail from Australia.

The vessel, named “China Zorrilla,” will be operated by the shipping company Buquebus on the route between the colonial city of Colonia, on the shores of the Rio de la Plata, and Buenos Aires.

The ferry has a capacity of up to 2,500 passengers and 225 vehicles. Its construction cost around 200 million dollars, with part of the financing also provided by the World Bank.

The vessel is expected to begin operating in mid-October, covering about 60 kilometers between the two shores of the Rio de la Plata.

To supply energy, both tourist ports — in Buenos Aires and Colonia — have been equipped with charging stations. The ferry is powered by four giant high-capacity batteries that drive eight electric motors.

The project aims to create the first fully electric-propelled maritime transport line in Latin America. According to the company, the project started shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“China Zorrilla” was built with high-strength marine aluminum at the Incat Tasmania shipyard in Hobart, Australia.

The ferry was then transported on a specialized heavy-cargo vessel, traveling more than 15,000 kilometers to the port of Colonia in Uruguay.

Source: ATSH/ANSA