Ocean transportation is entering its green era. The world’s largest battery-electric ship has begun carrying passengers between Argentina and Uruguay, putting a 130-meter (426 feet), fully battery-powered vessel into commercial service.

China Zorrilla, built by Incat Tasmania for ferry operator Buquebus, completed its maiden commercial voyage between Buenos Aires and Colonia across the River Plate (55 km or 34-mile journey). It can carry up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles.

The first passenger crossing followed an official launch ceremony in Buenos Aires on October 21.

Incat Managing Director Craig Clifford, Buquebus representatives, and maritime authorities from both countries attended the event, which marked the completion of years of engineering and construction at the shipbuilder’s Hobart yard.

China Zorrilla carries more than 250 tonnes of batteries and has an energy storage system exceeding 40 megawatt-hours. The system supplies electricity to eight electrically driven waterjets that propel the vessel.

Its passenger facilities include a duty-free retail area covering about 2,300 square meters, along with accommodation for travelers making the crossing.

For Incat, the vessel represents the culmination of one of its most technically complex construction projects.

Chairman Robert Clifford credited the Tasmanian workforce with overcoming the engineering challenges of building a battery-powered ship of this size.

“This is a truly historic day for Incat, for Tasmania and for the global maritime industry,” Clifford said.

The vessel also extends the relationship between Incat and Buquebus, the operator that commissioned the ferry for its South American service.

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