Incat eyes order for smaller battery electric ferries, widens its product range

Aluminium ferry manufacturer Incat Tasmania has announced a new a new partnership that could see a second, smaller battery electric ferry being constructed at the company’s shipyard alongside a world-first 148 metre battery electric vessel already under construction.

The new partnership with Danish shipping and logistics company DFDS to complete a design study for the construction of a cutting-edge electric-hybrid ferry.

The 72-metre ferry, which will have the option to convert to fully electric, was first offered for sale in November, 2023, with the partnership evidence of the potential of electricification of shipping.

In January, 2023 Incat announced its first battery electric ferry sale to Argentine company Buquebus, a 148 metre long catamaran ‘utility Ro-Pax’ design capable of carrying up to 1,200 passengers and their vehicles at up to 25 knots.

Incat CEO Stephen Casey said: “Since launching the design of our series produced electric ships last November there has been significant interest from many ferry operators, and we’re excited to work with DFDS on their projects.

“The Incat 72-metre series is offered in a fully electric model that is suited to many ferry networks around the world.”

Casey said the company’s industry leading design and construction capabilities, and commitment to sustainability, made Incat the logical choice for ferry operators who want a vessel of the highest quality whilst minimising their environmental footprint.

“We know that battery electric or electric-hybrid propulsion coupled with lightweight aluminium on shorter sea routes will be the ideal choice to cut emissions, and it’s great to see major operators such as DFDS sharing in our goal to shape the future of decarbonisation in maritime transport.

“Incat pioneered the development of large vehicle carrying catamarans in the 1990’s and now we’re ready to work with ferry operators around the world to showcase what the future of maritime transport looks like.”

Incat has specialised in lightweight aluminim vessel design and construction for the past four decades – aluminium ferries are approximately half the weight of their steel counterparts, require less power and offer energy savings and emissions reductions.

Incat is based in Tasmania where the state generates 100 per cent of its energy needs from renewables, and the energy consumed in the construction of Incat vessels comes from 100 per cent renewable sources – a combination of hydro, wind and solar.

Further reading:
Incat offers smaller electric ferry alongside its flagship
Incat sells first electric passenger and vehicle ferry

Picture: Incat Tasmania