The Ecuadorian ferry operator, Bucobus, has recently started its commercial operations with the world's largest electric ferry named China Zorilla. This ship, named in honor of a local actress, is recognized as a pioneer in sustainable transportation.
Details of the China Zorilla ship
China Zorilla is a high-speed ferry made of aluminum, built at the Incat factory, a leader in the construction of aluminum catamarans. After construction at the Incat facilities in Tasmania, the ship was placed on a heavy-lift vessel and transported to Rio de la Plata.
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This ferry, measuring 130 meters in length, can carry 225 cars and 2,100 passengers and has the largest battery capacity among electric ships. The ship has a deadweight capacity of approximately 960 tons and provides ample interior space for a large duty-free shop.
Technology and performance
According to Wärtsilä, the supplier of the power and propulsion systems for this ship, the challenge of designing this emission-free electric ferry was to operate at a speed of 25 knots on a 60-kilometer route. The ship has a battery capacity of 41 megawatt-hours, eight electric motors, and eight axial water jets.
The DC charging system at the dock returns the batteries to standby mode in about 40 minutes and is part of the scheduled operations for each one-way trip. These features allow China Zorilla to operate in shallow conditions as well.
China Zorilla is named after China Zorilla (originally Concepción Matilde Zorilla), a famous local actress known in the theater scenes of Uruguay and Argentina. She appeared in numerous plays, films, and television programs from the 1950s until her passing in 2014.
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