Sydney Harbour expected to have its first electric ferry within two years

Sydney Harbour is set to welcome its first electric ferry within the next two years, following a contract signed by the New South Wales government with Tasmanian shipbuilder Richardson Devine Marine. The initial vessel will be a 24-metre battery electric trial ferry, modelled on the Parramatta River Class ferries designed by Sydney naval architects Incat Crowther. This ferry is scheduled to begin a 12-month trial from early 2028, after which it will enter regular service on the new Sydney Fish Markets route in 2029, supported by newly installed shoreside charging infrastructure at Barangaroo Wharf. The introduction of this electric ferry marks a significant step in the transition of Sydney’s iconic ferry fleet from diesel propulsion to cleaner, quieter electric power. NSW Transport Minister John Graham highlighted the importance of this trial as a foundation for future decisions regarding the broader electrification of the fleet. However, further investment in electric ferries will depend on the performance and operational range demonstrated during the trial period, with assessments to be conducted by Transport for NSW and ferry operator Transdev Sydney Ferries. Initial plans for electric ferries in Sydney Harbour were announced earlier in 2024, with expectations that the first fully electric ferry would join the Parramatta River service by 2026, followed by additional vessels for the Manly and inner harbour routes. This development aligns with broader trends in Australian maritime transport, as seen in Brisbane where Aus Ships Group is collaborating with Volvo Penta to build the country’s first electric drive passenger ferry, due for commissioning by the end of 2024. Tasmania’s Incat shipyard, part of the same region as Richardson Devine Marine, has established itself as a leader in electric ferry construction, recently completing the world’s largest battery-electric ship and delivering a series of large electric ferries for a major Danish electrification project. The Sydney Harbour trial will thus benefit from local expertise and innovation, potentially positioning the city at the forefront of sustainable maritime transport in Australia.