“China Zorrilla” is set to become the world’s largest battery-powered ship. To reach its operational area, however, the vessel is relying on outside support.
Following what has been described as “one of the most complex maritime operations ever carried out in Tasmania”, it is being transported piggyback aboard the heavy-lift vessel “Black Marlin”.
The 130 m long RoPax ship will have capacity for 2,100 passengers and 225 authors and will be 100% battery-powered. It was ordered by the South American shipping company Buquebus from the Incat shipyard in Hobart, Tasmania.
It is an enormously prestigious project for the shipyard. The construction and transfer are commented on accordingly: “This is one of the most significant projects in maritime history and is now about to embark on its next chapter,” reads a recent statement from Incat. This refers to the transfer to the operational area. The “China Zorilla” will not be making the journey on its own keel, but “piggybacking” on the “Black Marlin”.
The semi-submersible heavy-lift vessel owned by Dutch shipping company Boskalis has now set off from South Africa for Australia. At 217 meters long and 42 meters wide, the Black Marlin is capable of carrying some of the world’s largest maritime structures and will be one of the largest ships ever to enter the River Derwent.
Robert Clifford, Chairman of Incat, said the arrival of the heavy lift vessel marks another significant milestone in one of the world’s most ground-breaking shipbuilding projects: “Interest in the Hull has been enormous, with almost daily inquiries from people wanting to know how the vessel is progressing and when it will start its journey to South America.” The arrival of the semi-submersible will be an exciting moment.
Once the ship reaches Hobart, it will undergo a carefully planned loading process. As a semi-submersible, the Black Marlin will be able to lower her cargo deck below the waterline by taking on ballast water. The 096 hull will then be maneuvered over the lowered deck before the ballast water is pumped out again, raising the cargo deck out of the water – “one of the most complex maritime operations ever undertaken in Tasmania,” according to the shipyard.
“Watching the ‘Black Marlin’ take on our new build will be a spectacular sight and a moment of pride for Tasmania. People from all over the world have followed the construction of this vessel and I am sure there will be great interest in following the next stage of the journey as the vessel prepares to depart for South America.”
