INCAT Tasmania has won a landmark contract to design and build two new state-of-the-art battery-electric ferries for leading Danish ferry operator Molslinjen, a previous customer.
The vessels, each 129 metres long and powered by approximately 45,000 kWh battery systems, will operate on the busy Kattegat route between Jutland and Zealand, forming part of the world’s largest electrification project at sea.
Incat says the significant international order further cements the company’s position as the world leader in sustainable shipbuilding, with construction already well advanced on Hull 096, the world’s largest battery-electric ship, and Hull 100, a 78-metre next-generation hybrid ferry.
“These new vessels for Molslinjen mark a turning point not just for Incat but for the global maritime industry,” Incat chairman Robert Clifford said.
“They are part of a new class of high-speed, low-emission ships that are redefining what’s possible at sea. We’re honoured to again partner with Molslinjen, and proud to help them deliver real environmental change on one of Europe’s busiest ferry routes.”
The construction of these vessels commence as Incat prepares to expand its production facilities at Prince of Wales Bay in Hobart, to enable a doubling of its capacity and workforce over the next three years and significantly increase the number of large ships it can deliver annually.
“This project aligns perfectly with our strategic vision,” Mr Clifford added. “As global demand for sustainable ferries accelerates, our expanded facilities will ensure we’re ready to lead the way in both innovation and volume.”
The project also represents a strengthening of ties between Australia and Denmark. Incat Tasmania MD Craig Clifford, who also serves as the Honorary Consul for Denmark in Tasmania, said the partnership reflected a shared commitment to the green transition.
“Incat has a long and trusted relationship with Denmark through our work with Molslinjen, and I’m particularly proud to see this next chapter unfold,” said Craig Clifford. “These vessels will connect communities across the Kattegat with high-speed, clean energy technology, and they’ll be built right here in Tasmania.”
Incat Tasmania previously delivered the 112-metre wave-piercing catamarans Express 1 and Express 2 to Molslinjen in 2009 and 2013 respectively.
Early-stage construction of the new vessels will begin in the coming months, with delivery of the first vessel scheduled in late 2027. Once operational, the ferries will each carry up to 1,483 passengers and 500 cars, operating at speeds over 40 knots, and eliminating thousands of tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, Incat says.