Transport for New South Wales has completed its Parramatta River Class ferry programme following the delivery of the fleet’s final two vessels, Norman Selfe and Jack Mundey. The seven new ferries are now operating across Sydney’s busy ferry network.
Designed by Incat Crowther and built by Tasmania-based Richardson Devine Marine, the vessels can each carry up to 200 passengers. They are primarily serving the commuter and tourist route between Parramatta in western Sydney and Circular Quay in the city centre.
According to Transport for NSW, the new ferries use about 40% less fuel than the RiverCats they replace. The improved efficiency has allowed the authority to add 136 ferry services each week on the F3 Parramatta River route.
Transport for NSW Coordinator General Howard Collins said passengers had responded positively to the new vessels, while their operational performance had exceeded expectations.
The seven-strong fleet was delivered using Incat Crowther’s Project Assurance and Digital Shipbuilding services, with the process involving Transport for NSW, ferry operator Transdev, Richardson Devine Marine and unions representing ferry workers.
The project assurance programme was designed to support coordination between the organisations involved in the vessels’ design, construction and introduction into service. The approach also helped ensure the new ferries entered operation on schedule and with support from key stakeholders.
Incat Crowther CEO Brett Crowther said the project combined local vessel design and construction with digital shipbuilding technology and closer cooperation between the project partners.
He said the approach demonstrated how collaboration between shipbuilders, operators, authorities and ferry workers could support the development of bespoke passenger vessels for urban transport networks.
