Sydney to Receive First Electric Ferry in 2028
Sydney will receive its first electric ferry two years later than originally planned. The state government has signed a contract to begin construction later this year.
The Sydney Morning HeraldSydney will receive its first electric ferry two years later than originally planned. The state government has signed a deal with a Hobart shipbuilder to start constructing the first electric ferry later this year. The 24-metre battery-electric ferry will be trialled for 12 months from early 2028 and is expected to sail on a route to the new $836 million Fish Market at Blackwattle Bay when it enters passenger service a year later.
Charging infrastructure will be installed at Barangaroo wharf to enable the trial.
The cost of the new electric ferry and charging equipment is about $20 million. The vessel is modelled on the seven new Parramatta River-class vessels designed by Sydney naval architects Incat Crowther. The government confirmed that any decision to invest in more electric ferries will not be made until Transport for NSW and private operator Transdev assess the performance and service range of the first electric vessel in trials.
Independent ferry consultant Robin Sandell said installing charging infrastructure at wharves would be one of the challenges in electrifying the fleet. He added that the need for vessels to be tied up longer to charge would pressure berthing capacity at Circular Quay.
Transport for NSW co-ordinator general Howard Collins said the 12-month trial of the new electric ferry from early 2028 would allow officials to test its performance, reliability and charging systems in real-world conditions.
Almost two years ago, the government released medium-term plans to replace all diesel-powered vessels in the state’s fleet with locally built electric or hydrogen ferries by 2035. It had aimed to have the first electric-powered Parramatta River-class ferry ready for trials by early this year.
Transport Minister John Graham said the first trial of an electric ferry on Sydney Harbour would be an important moment for the fleet, which would transition from diesel propulsion over coming years informed by this first vessel. Sydneysiders and tourists are having to wait until next year before ferry services to the new fish market begin because a $30 million wharf has yet to be built.
Transport for NSW said it was aiming for the commuter wharf to be opened in the second quarter of 2027.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- March
The last of seven RiverCat ferries was permanently retired from passenger service.
1 sourceThe Sydney Morning Herald - Later this year
Construction of the first electric ferry will begin.
1 sourceThe Sydney Morning Herald - Early 2028
The electric ferry will begin a 12-month trial.
1 sourceThe Sydney Morning Herald - 2029
The electric ferry is expected to enter passenger service.
1 sourceThe Sydney Morning Herald
Potential Impact
- 01
The 12-month trial will test performance and charging systems before any further investment decisions.
- 02
Berthing capacity at Circular Quay may face pressure due to longer charging times.
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