INCAT Tasmania has acquired a 12-hectare site north-west of Hobart to build a new shipbuilding facility.

The new site, a portion of the Norske Skog Boyer Mill site at Boyer, would allow the Tasmanian shipbuilder to double its current shipbuilding capacity and workforce.

Incat Tasmania has been working toward expansion plans as it rolls out a plan to build more battery-electric vessels. An electric ferry claimed to be the largest in the world is currently under construction at Incat’s existing Hobart facility.

The expansion plan for this new site includes the construction of a 240-by-120-metre production facility, with capacity to construct three large ships at one time.

Incat CEO Stephen Casey said the company’s goal over the next five-to-10 years is to produce multiple electric ships for the global market.

“The new site, which already has the appropriate industrial zoning, will allow us to construct hulls and decks for our vessels at Boyer and then transport the structure down the River Derwent to our existing Prince of Wales Bay shipyard to be completed,” Mr Casey said.

“This will streamline our vessel construction process and enhance our ability to produce multiple ships per year for the market.”

Mr Casey said the nearby town of New Norfolk is growing, giving Incat the opportunity to provide training and employment opportunities for people across the greater Derwent Valley.

“We are thrilled with the prospect of employing more Tasmanians,” he said.

Incat chairman Robert Clifford said the maritime industry’s need for environmentally friendly electric vessels is increasing rapidly and the shipbuilder needs to be ready to meet demand.

“Incat has been at the forefront of maritime innovation for more than four decades and the purchase of this site marks a new period of significant growth for the company,” Mr Clifford said.

“I predict more than 1000 new sustainable ships will be needed to satisfy the global market over the next decade.

“Domestically there will be a need for more vessels in locations such as Sydney Harbour, and in Europe there will be a need for much larger vessels of up to 170 metres in length with the capacity to carry up to 1000 passengers. Incat is one of the few shipyards in the world capable of constructing large, lightweight, electric ships to meet that demand.

“The new production facility will feature nearly 30,000 square meters of undercover production area, bringing our total undercover production space across both Incat sites to around 100,000 square meters, equivalent to 10 hectares.”

And general manager of the Norske Skog Boyer Mill, Patrick Dooley, said the new facility would bring employment and economic activity to the growing Derwent Valley community.

“The Boyer site comprises some 565 hectares, with around 10% used for the manufacture of publication paper including newsprint and magazine grades,” Mr Dooley said.

“Our vision is to see the site become a major economic hub in Southern Tasmania incorporating new industries such as renewable energy and advanced manufacturing, together with the support businesses that service these industries. Incat’s decision to establish its new facility at Boyer is an important step towards that goal and we wish them every success.”

Incat Tasmania plans to work with adjacent landowners and the community to minimise any disruption or impact as the site is developed.

The site will be prepared for construction of the new production facility in the coming months, with vessel construction set to begin at the facility in 2026.