New Parramatta River ferries to be built in Australia
Maureen Dettre |
Seven new ferries for Sydney’s Parramatta River route will be made in Australia, as the NSW government fulfils an election promise to stop buying overseas-made transport infrastructure.
The Parramatta Class ferries have been designed by Sydney’s Incat Crowthers, and the tender has been awarded to Richardson Devine Marine Shipbuilders in Hobart, with construction to begin in July.
Premier Chris Minns says the fleet will be a vast improvement on the 10 overseas-built and problem-plagued River Class vessels that entered service in 2021.
The problems included not being able to fit under some bridges while passengers were on the top deck, asbestos and night-time glare that impeded driver visibility.
“The NSW government is committed to building things here again to create jobs, boost manufacturing and end the failed offshore imports of the previous Liberal government,” Mr Minns said on Monday.
“I’m looking forward to the day I can announce a brand new NSW-built ferry. It won’t be easy and it will take time, but we are determined to do it,” he said.
Opposition transport spokeswoman Natalie Ward says the announcement falls short of Labor’s pre-election promise to build public transport vehicles in NSW.
“This is a great deal for Tasmanian workers, but workers in NSW are getting shafted by a premier who is now sending jobs he promised them to another state,” she said.
The new ferries would also allow for future conversion to electric propulsion as battery, charging and engine technologies improved.
Ferry engines are usually replaced after five years of service, providing numerous opportunities to make the upgrades during the 25-30 year working life of the Parramatta Class ferries.
The seven ferries will replace seven Cairns-built RiverCat vessels, which are ready to retire after 30 years of service.
Transport Minister Jo Haylen said the ferries would have the same 200-person capacity, while using 40 per cent less diesel.
“It’s exciting to be supporting Australian manufacturing, with ferries that are ready for a net-zero future.”
Earlier this month, the government announced it would restore three 40-year-old Freshwater-class Manly ferries, following a bungled replacement with the smaller, swifter Emerald class that were also plagued by reliability issues.
AAP
