Record-breaking electric vessel delivered to Uruguay
One of the biggest aluminium vessels ever built has been delivered from one side of the world to the other on a specialised heavy-lift vessel.
Semi-submersible heavy-lift vessel Black Marlin has delivered the 130m electric catamaran China Zorrilla from Australia to Uruguay, with tugs carrying out the float-off and subsequent 60-nautical-mile tow to Colonia.
The aluminium-hulled ferry, measuring 130m in length and 32m in beam, was transported aboard Black Marlin, a vessel designed to carry extra-heavy cargo. The catamaran was unloaded off Nueva Palmira using a controlled float-off operation.
The procedure began in approximately 20m of water, with Black Marlin carrying out a controlled ballasting operation to submerge its deck. Once the deck had been lowered sufficiently, China Zorrilla floated free under its own buoyancy.
SAAM Towage’s Gaucho II and Portobelo assisted during the float-off, stabilising the catamaran and guiding it clear of the heavy-lift vessel.
Once afloat, the ferry began its voyage to Colonia through the Martín García Channel. Matrero and Matrero II worked in tandem, with one tug positioned ahead of the catamaran and the other astern to provide steering and control throughout the approximately ten-hour voyage.
The operation concluded with the catamaran being manoeuvred alongside at Colonia in confined waters.
“We are very pleased with the outcome of this operation, which required meticulous planning and seamless coordination among all the teams,” said Javiera Hevia, SAAM Towage’s Southern Cone Cluster Manager. “In extraordinary operations like this, our crew’s experience and a strong safety culture make all the difference.”
World’s largest battery-electric catamaran
China Zorrilla was designed and built by Australian shipbuilder Incat Tasmania for Uruguayan operator Buquebus. At 129.7m, it is one of the largest aluminium vessels ever constructed and is designed specifically for passenger and vehicle services across the River Plate.
The vessel is powered entirely by batteries, with a battery-electric propulsion system supplying electric motors that drive the catamaran’s propulsion units. Its battery capacity exceeds 40MWh, making it the largest battery-electric ferry system installed on a vessel of its type.
Incat says its 130m aluminium hull combines the high-speed characteristics of a large catamaran with zero-emission propulsion at the point of operation. Rather than carrying conventional marine fuel for its crossing, the ferry is designed to recharge its batteries between voyages.
The ferry is intended for Buquebus services between Buenos Aires and Colonia, a relatively short route across the River Plate. Its battery system is therefore designed around repeated crossings and rapid turnaround rather than long-distance ocean operation.
“We are proud to help make the major strides towards a more sustainable maritime industry a reality,” said Hevia.
