Corvus Energy has announced that the battery energy storage system powering the largest battery electric ferry has been delivered, installed, commissioned, and entered commercial operation in South America.

Electric ferry carries record 41 MWh battery system

The vessel, China Zorrilla, was built by Incat Tasmania for Buquebus and has arrived in Argentina, where it has undergone final testing before entering service between Argentina and Uruguay.

The ship carries more than 41 MWh of Corvus Energy battery systems, which is the largest battery installation ever deployed onboard a ship. In commercial service, it transports more than 2,100 passengers and over 225 vehicles across the Río de la Plata entirely on electric power.

From vision to reality

Three years ago, Corvus Energy announced its selection by Wärtsilä to supply the battery system for what was then envisioned as the world's largest fully electric high-speed Ro-Pax ferry.

The company describes the successful commissioning of the energy storage system as evidence of how rapidly maritime electrification has advanced, noting that what was once considered a groundbreaking concept has now entered daily commercial operation.

"The launch of commercial operations for China Zorrilla is a milestone not only for Corvus Energy but for the entire maritime industry," said Ole Jacob Irgens, EVP and Head of Sales at Corvus Energy.

"This project proves that battery-electric propulsion is no longer limited to smaller ferries or short routes. We are now seeing large-scale, high-speed passenger vessels powered entirely by batteries. It demonstrates that the technology is ready and that maritime decarbonization is accelerating globally."

The largest marine battery system ever installed

The Corvus Energy ESS onboard China Zorrilla is approximately four times larger than any previous battery system deployed in commercial maritime service.

The installation combines advanced battery technology with large-scale energy storage capability to support the demanding operational requirements of high-speed passenger transportation.

The vessel contains four battery rooms housing a total of 5,016 Dolphin Energy NxtGen ESS modules. On battery power alone, China Zorrilla is able to sail for 1.5 hours, enabling fully emission-free sailing.

The project also marks a milestone for Corvus Energy's battery technology platform, which the company says has been developed specifically for the maritime sector and refined through more than a decade of operational experience across over a thousand vessel installations worldwide.

"Every project teaches us something, but this vessel sets a new benchmark," Irgens said. "Successfully commissioning a battery system of this scale demonstrates the maturity, safety, and reliability of modern marine battery technology. We are proud to see our systems powering what will become an iconic vessel in the transition to zero-emission transportation."

A step forward for South American maritime decarbonization

As the first fully electric ship of its kind in South America, China Zorrilla represents a major step forward for regional maritime decarbonization.

Its entry into service highlights, according to Corvus Energy, how battery-electric shipping is becoming a global trend, extending well beyond early adopter markets in Northern Europe.

Corvus Energy has simultaneously strengthened its regional support capabilities in South America through local service partnerships, technical expertise, and lifecycle support capabilities to ensure long-term operational success for customers in the region.

A blueprint for future vessels

For Corvus Energy, the significance of the project extends beyond the single vessel. The company describes China Zorrilla as providing a blueprint for future large-scale electric ferries, cruise vessels, offshore vessels, and other energy-intensive maritime applications.

The successful delivery, commissioning, and operation of the world's largest battery-electric ship demonstrates, the company states, that electrification can now be applied to vessel classes previously considered beyond the reach of battery technology.

In commercial service, the vessel serves, in the company's words, as a powerful example of how innovative ship design, advanced battery technology, and industry collaboration accelerate the maritime industry's journey toward a zero-emission future.

Corvus Energy background

Headquartered in Norway, Corvus Energy is a provider of zero-emission energy solutions for the maritime industry, offering a portfolio of energy storage systems suitable for nearly every vessel type.

Its solutions combine advanced battery technology, digital services, battery passport capabilities, cybersecurity, and global service support throughout the vessel lifecycle.

The company has delivered more than 1,400 projects worldwide and states that more than 50% of the world's vessels equipped with zero-emission technology are powered by Corvus Energy systems.

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