Uruguay
The electric ferry China Zorrilla arrived in Uruguay and Buquebus expects to put it into service in the coming days
The vessel arrived in Nueva Palmira after a voyage from Tasmania and will then continue to Colonia del Sacramento to complete tests and final adjustments. According to La Diaria, the project’s investment is around $200 million.
The electric vessel China Zorrilla arrived in Uruguay and was received this Saturday at the Nueva Palmira dock, after a journey of more than 15,000 kilometers that began in early August from Tasmania, Australia, according to La Diaria.
According to that outlet, it is the largest battery-electric ferry built to date. It is 130 meters long, has capacity for 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles, and an energy storage system of more than 40 MWh.
Those attending the ceremony included Buquebus president Juan Carlos López Mena; the Secretary of the Presidency, Alejandro Sánchez; ministers Pablo Menoni, Edgardo Ortuño and Fernanda Cardona; and Colonia mayor Guillermo Rodríguez, among other authorities.
Before the ceremony, López Mena told the press that the project required an investment of $200 million. He also said, according to La Diaria, that the vessel is already operational and will first arrive in Colonia del Sacramento, where in about ten days it should be ready to begin operating.
After its arrival on the Río de la Plata, the ferry will continue under its own power to Colonia del Sacramento. There, inspections, tests and adjustment work will be carried out, as well as the final integration with the energy infrastructure intended for its future commercial operation.
According to La Diaria, an electric high-power station was developed at the port of Colonia together with UTE to supply the vessel. A similar setup was installed at Buquebus’s terminal in Puerto Madero with Edesur, to connect both terminals within the same electric operating system.
During the event, Sánchez said Buquebus continues investing in Uruguay because the country offers certainty and security. In the same vein, Menoni said the ship’s arrival represents a tourism, technological and environmental milestone.
Sources
About this note. Written by El Notero with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on what was published by the cited outlet. El Notero did not conduct its own reporting on this event.
