SSI’s shipbuilding solution for Buquebus’ battery-electric ferry

Canadian software solution provider SSI has been contracted to supply its ShipConstructor design and modeling solution to a battery-electric RoPax catamaran ferry owned by Buquebus of Uruguay.

The system has been selected by Tasmania’s Incat shipyard to support structural modeling for two hull modules of Hull 096, a 130m battery-electric Ro-Pax catamaran.

Incat and its partner Revolution Design chose SSI’s ShipConstructor system, the SSI design and engineering solution, to deliver specific benefits for this complex project, including centralized data management, automation and standardization of design outputs, 3D visualization on the shop floor and improved materials tracking. 

The project also includes the delivery of a digital twin, created from data held within ShipConstructor, to facilitate a clear overview of vessel configuration, supporting efficient operations and lifecycle maintenance. 

Hull 096 will be the world’s largest 100% battery-electric ferry, featuring an energy storage system of 40MWh, four times larger than any previous marine battery installation, according to SSI.

The batteries power a series of electric motors which drive the water jet propulsion system. The electrical system integration is by Wärtsilä and ESS is by Corvus Energy.

Incat is adopting ShipConstructor with the project already in progress, underscoring its belief that SSI can successfully deploy the solution, and train and support shipyard personnel at high speed across relevant teams.

The company anticipates that all primary structures of its next shipbuilding projects will be developed using the SSI shipbuilding system.

“Incat has always been an innovator and once again we are demonstrating our approach to advanced technology solutions by adopting ShipConstructor to support this complex project,” said Stewart Wells, Incat Technical Manager. 

“SSI demonstrated an understanding of our challenges and how to effectively manage the design, modelling and data handling processes across all departments and disciplines.”