Buquebús in Talks to Replace LNG Powerplant with Battery-Electric Solution on Newbuilding Ferry

South American ferry operator Buquebús is in talks with the Australian catamaran builder Incat Tasmania on replacing its liquified natural gas (LNG) powerplant on its newbuilding ferry, under construction at the yard, with a battery-electric solution. The vessel is set to be the largest aluminium catamaran ever built by Incat, with an overall length of 130 metres, a width of 32 metres, and the capacity to carry 2,100 passengers and 226 cars.

Potential environmental impact:

The switch to a battery-electric solution would make the vessel the “world’s largest, lightweight, zero emissions ferry operating on any route in the world”, according to Incat Tasmania. It would also open up a new market for lightweight zero-emissions ships and have significant environmental benefits. However, the company acknowledges that there are challenges to overcome, including ensuring sufficient energy supply in the ports the ship would visit. The vessel is scheduled to operate between Argentina and Uruguay once completed.