Sydney Harbour is preparing for its first trial of an electric ferry, with contracts signed for the construction of a locally designed and Australian made vessel expected to enter testing from early 2028.
Tasmanian shipbuilder Richardson Devine Marine will begin work on the 24 metre ferry later this year as the New South Wales Government explores options for reducing diesel use across the harbour fleet over coming years.
The vessel will be based on the design of the Parramatta River Class ferries created by Sydney naval architecture firm Incat Crowther. Those ferries were progressively introduced from May 2024 and form part of a $49.6 million investment in seven Australian built vessels.
The electric ferry is expected to undergo a 12 month operational trial before potentially entering passenger service in 2029, with the new Sydney Fish Market route among the options being considered.
Charging infrastructure will also be installed at Barangaroo Wharf to support the trial and assess how electric ferry operations function under regular passenger conditions.
Transport Minister John Graham said the project would help shape the future direction of Sydney’s ferry network.
“The first trial of an electric ferry on Sydney Harbour is an important moment for our iconic ferry fleet which will transition from diesel propulsion over coming years, informed by this first vessel,” he said.
“This Northern Beaches designed, Australian built ferry will provide a quieter ride and cleaner air on the Harbour.”
Transport for NSW Co-ordinator General Howard Collins said the trial would focus on understanding operational performance before any broader rollout decisions are made.
“This 12 month trial is an important learning opportunity. It will allow us to test the vessel’s performance, reliability, and charging systems in real world conditions while gathering feedback from passengers and crew,” he said.
The government said no decision has yet been made on expanding the electric fleet, with future investment dependent on the results of the trial and assessments carried out by Transport for NSW and ferry operator Transdev Sydney Ferries.
The announcement also arrives against the backdrop of earlier controversy surrounding the overseas built River Class ferries purchased under the former Liberal government. Those ferries faced criticism over steering issues, asbestos contamination and safety concerns linked to low bridge clearances on the Parramatta River.
Governments and transport agencies across Australia have increasingly explored electric and low emission public transport options as cities respond to environmental targets and rising operational costs. Ferry electrification projects are already underway in parts of Europe and New Zealand, though challenges around charging infrastructure, vessel range and upfront investment remain part of the wider debate.
Since 2023, the NSW Government says it has committed $120 million towards ferry fleet upgrades, including improvements to the Freshwater fleet and the rollout of the Parramatta River Class vessels.
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