Sydney Ferries To Go Electric By 2035

Sydney’s ferry fleet will be electrified by 2035, the New South Wales transport ministry has announced.  

Most existing diesel ferries will be phased out, to be replaced by newly manufactured vessels. This will include the nine First Fleet Class ferries, a common sight on the harbour that were introduced in the eighties, whilst the iconic Freshwater Class ferries operating on Manly services will be replaced by a similar-looking fleet. 

“While we’ve extended the life of our Freshwater vessels, it’s important that we continue to plan for our future fleet,” transport minister Jo Haylen remarked in September. 

Zero-Emissions Technology

In a media release in August, the transport ministry announced the “next generation” Freshwater ferries, to be built locally, would incorporate zero-emissions technology. It was also announced that the eighth Parramatta River Class ferry will be electric. The rest of the fleet, including vessels already in service, will be converted to electric power. 

  “The NSW Government is planning the phased replacement of all diesel-powered craft with modern vessels powered by green energy alternatives by 2035. The new vessels will be built locally, supporting the NSW Government’s commitment to local procurement,” the media release stated. 

The electrification of the ferry fleet is the latest step in the New South Wales Government’s pursuit of reducing emissions produced by the state’s public transport network. All power for electric trains, including metro and electric intercity trains, has been obtained from renewable sources since 2021, four years ahead of schedule. Sydney Trains aims to achieve net zero emissions from the rest of its operations by 2035. 

Buses To Go Electric 

By 2035, all buses in Greater Sydney are to operate on zero-emissions technology, to be expanded to all Outer Metropolitan buses by 2040 and regional buses by 2047. Meanwhile, new regional trains set to enter service from next year will draw power from overhead lines whilst on electrified parts of the rail network.  

Experts have hailed the electrification of the ferry fleet. Andrea Pellegrini, Neil Smith Lecturer in Sustainable Mobility and Accessibility at the University of Sydney’s Institute of Transport and Logistic Studies, welcomed the plan. 

“The decision to phase out all diesel-powered craft by 2035 should be welcomed as great news, as it will provide daily commuters, travellers and tourists with greener alternatives, whilst also paying tribute to their iconic predecessors,” Pellegrini commented to City Hub. 

Pellegrini noted that the project “aligns perfectly” with the Australian Government’s Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Consultation Map, “which aims to effectively reduce emissions from the transportation sector.”  

“Further, it is encouraging that the manufacturing of the new vessels will take place in Australia, thus supporting the growth of local businesses. The next few years will likely reveal whether the timeframe planned can be met.” 

 Electric Motors Are Three Times As Efficient As Diesel Engines

The positive sentiment was shared by Dr Robin Smit, Director at Transport Energy/Emission Research and Adjunct Professor at the University of Technology Sydney. According to Smit, electric motors are typically three times as efficient as diesel engines, which “emit a range of air pollutants that can impact on health.” 

The conversion project “won’t be zero emissions as the emissions required in the production of the vessel and the batteries, as well as ongoing maintenance, energy infrastructure, etc. also need to be accounted for,” Smit noted. 

The New South Wales Government aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. By that time, it is hoped the air around Sydney Harbour will be a little cleaner. Sydneysiders, it is also hoped, won’t notice too much difference in the grand electric ferries mimicking their forebears as they cut their way to Circular Quay.