Uruguay Prepares to Welcome the World’s Largest Electric Ferry: “China Zorrilla”.

Uruguay Prepares to Welcome the World’s Largest Electric Ferry: “China Zorrilla”.

Uruguay Prepares to Welcome the World’s Largest Electric Ferry: “China Zorrilla”.

Uruguay is once again making international headlines for its commitment to innovation and sustainability with the launch of the “China Zorrilla,” the world’s largest fully electric ferry. The vessel was officially launched on May 2 in Hobart, Tasmania (Australia), by shipbuilder Incat and is set to operate under the Uruguayan company Buquebus.

Measuring 130 meters in length, with capacity for over 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles, the “China Zorrilla” is not just a naval engineering feat—it’s a bold environmental statement.

Powered entirely by lithium-ion batteries, the ferry will operate with zero emissions, drastically reducing the carbon footprint of maritime travel between Uruguay and Argentina.

Expected to arrive in Uruguay in the fourth quarter of 2025, the vessel will begin service on the Montevideo–Buenos Aires route. With this milestone, Uruguay positions itself at the forefront of sustainable maritime transport, setting a regional and global example at a time when green solutions are no longer optional, but essential.

The name pays tribute to legendary Uruguayan-Argentine actress China Zorrilla, symbolizing the cultural bridge between both nations and infusing this technological marvel with meaning and heritage.

Beyond its ecological impact, the ferry also represents a strategic bet on quality tourism, regional development, and infrastructure modernization. Uruguay is sending a strong message: it is ready to lead the way toward a cleaner, smarter, and more connected future.