New Manly ferries pictured having test runs out on the harbour
Eight months after arriving in Australia, three new Manly ferries are getting their first test runs in the water, before they are put into passenger service.
NSW
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The new vessels set to replace the iconic Manly ferry have been pictured undergoing testing on Sydney Harbour, with the Emerald-Class boats still not in service.
The three new ferries – Balmoral, the Clontarf, and the Fairlight – were pictured on the harbour on July 30, after arriving in Australia in December last year.
The vessels set to replace the Freshwater class ferries on the Circular Quay to Manly route were initially supposed to be operating from the middle of 2021, but are still not carrying passengers.
Announcing the ferries’ arrival in Sydney, Transport Minister Andrew Constance said they will enter passenger services in the coming months. A number of changes have been made to the overseas-built vessels.
“Sydney Ferries operator, Transdev, will continue to work closely with its employees as part of this upcoming sea trials phase to ensure these vessels meet the strictest of safety standards before entering into customer service,” Mr Collins said last month. It came after more than 80 defects or safety observations were made after the vessels arrived.
Mr Constance has defended the new ferries, saying they will give commuters a faster journey.
Two of the four Freshwater class ferries will stay in service on weekends and public holidays, after The Daily Telegraph and locals campaigned to save the iconic boats.
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Originally published as New Manly ferries pictured having test runs out on the harbour
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