Sydney’s First Electric Ferry Delayed Until 2028

Sydney’s first electric ferry is now expected to begin operating two years later than originally planned, with the NSW Government confirming the vessel will not begin trials on Sydney Harbour until 2028.

The delayed rollout comes despite earlier commitments from the Minns Government to begin introducing electric ferries sooner as part of plans to transition the city’s diesel-powered fleet to lower-emissions alternatives. The first vessel is now expected to service the new Sydney Fish Market route from 2029 following a year-long trial period.

The state government announced this week that contracts had been signed for the construction of the 24-metre battery-powered ferry, which will be built by Tasmanian shipbuilder Richardson Devine Marine. Construction is expected to begin later this year.

The ferry will undergo a 12-month trial on Sydney Harbour from early 2028, two years later than originally proposed when the Minns Government unveiled plans to transition the ferry fleet away from diesel propulsion.

NSW Transport Minister John Graham said the trial would help guide the future of Sydney’s ferry network.

“This Northern Beaches-designed, Australian-built ferry will provide a quieter ride and cleaner air on the harbour,” Graham said.

The electric vessel is being modelled on the new Parramatta River-class ferries currently operating across the harbour network. Those ferries were designed with the potential for future conversion to electric propulsion.

Transport for NSW Coordinator General Howard Collins said the trial would assess the ferry’s performance under everyday operating conditions.

“Testing will look at the vessel’s reliability and charging systems in real-world conditions,” Collins said.

Charging infrastructure for the vessel will be installed at Barangaroo Wharf as part of the trial.

The proposed route would connect Barangaroo to the new Sydney Fish Market precinct at Blackwattle Bay, which opened earlier this year following its relocation to Glebe.

The government has previously committed to replacing Sydney’s fleet of 40 diesel-powered ferries with electric or hydrogen-powered vessels by 2035, although no decision has yet been made on ordering additional electric ferries beyond the initial trial vessel.