Buquebus launches electric ferry China Zorrilla between Uruguay and Argentina

Buquebus has put into service the "China Zorrilla," the world's first large-scale 100% electric ferry, linking Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, with Buenos Aires, Argentina. The vessel, built by Australian shipyard Incat Tasmania, has a length overall of 130 meters and capacity for 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles.

The vessel operates without fossil fuels, powered by eight electric waterjet propulsion motors fed by a battery system that, according to Portal Portuario, is four times larger than that of any other existing vessel. Baird Maritime reported that the ship carries more than 250 tonnes of batteries and an energy storage capacity exceeding 40 MWh, with a 40-minute charge sufficient to cover the 55 kilometers separating the two ports across the Río de la Plata in one direction; both ports are equipped with special charging infrastructure. The same outlet noted that the original project called for diesel and LNG engines, but that Buquebus and Incat agreed during construction to convert it into a fully electric vessel.

The inauguration took place at the Buquebus terminal in Dársena Norte at the Port of Buenos Aires, with the participation of officials from both countries. Representing Uruguay were the Secretary of the Presidency, Alejandro Sánchez; Vice President Carolina Cosse; Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin; ministers Pablo Menoni, Fernanda Cardona, Sandra Lazo and Edgardo Ortuño; and the mayor of Colonia, Guillermo Rodríguez. Representing Argentina were the Chief of the Cabinet of Ministers, Diego Santilli; the Secretary General of the Presidency, Karina Milei; and Senator Patricia Bullrich. Also present was Buquebus chairman Juan Carlos López Mena, who led a tour of the ship's facilities following the ceremony.

According to the Argentine Coast Guard (Prefectura Naval Argentina), the China Zorrilla, identified by IMO number 9916678 and flying the Uruguayan flag, was classified as a high-speed craft. During its first departure following the christening, the Coast Guard deployed cutters GC-73 "Cabo Corrientes" and GC-79 "Río Deseado," along with helicopter PA-80, to escort the maneuver and provide navigational safety.

Portal Portuario reported that the vessel is considered Uruguay's first "blue operation," a sustainable financing scheme aimed at projects that protect water resources and promote sustainable maritime transport. The same outlet detailed that the ferry features about 3,000 m2 of recreational areas spread across three service classes (Tourist, Business and First Class), while Baird Maritime specified that the onboard duty-free shop space spans approximately 2,300 m2.