Lesley Bankes-HughesTasmania’s Incat says construction of its next 78-metre hybrid electric ferry is ‘well progressed’, with the vessel slated to enter operation in the first half of 2026.
The light-weight craft represents the next step in Incat’s electric ferry range, incorporating lessons learned from the world’s largest battery-electric ship, Hull 096, which is also nearing completion at the shipyard.
The 78-metre ferry can operate as fully electric, hybrid, or generator-assisted.
With flexible propulsion options – fully electric, hybrid, or generator-assisted – the vessel offers unmatched versatility for operators navigating the transition to cleaner energy.
With a top speed of 27 knots, the vessel can carry up to 600 passengers.
Incat notes that the ferry is sized to replace the first generation of high-speed craft now approaching 35 years in service.
The vessel also forms part of Incat’s broader strategy to deliver multiple smaller electric ships each year. A sister ship is in the pipeline and could be available within 12 months after the delivery of this vessel.
Image: Incat
Ariane Morrissey
Ian Taylor
