Incat Tasmania has begun harbour trials for Hull 096, which the company describes as the world’s largest battery-electric ship, on the River Derwent.
In a news release, Incat said the 130-metre vessel is moving under its own battery-electric propulsion for the first time, marking the transition from construction to operational testing.
The trials involve a series of controlled manoeuvres to test propulsion, control systems, and onboard operational performance under real-world conditions.
Incat said this is the first time a ship of this size and passenger-vehicle capacity has operated solely on battery power.
Incat Chairman Robert Clifford said the trials are a key milestone for the company and the maritime industry.
“This is the moment where the ship truly comes alive,” he said. “Moving Hull 096 under its own battery-electric power is a world first at this scale and confirms that electric propulsion is viable for large commercial vessels.”
He added, “Harbour trials allow us to test how all systems perform together in the water. It’s a significant step towards delivery and another major milestone in the evolution of sustainable shipbuilding.”
The company said the harbour trials are part of an extensive testing and commissioning program leading up to the vessel’s delivery to South America.
