Sydneysiders can vote on names for the next fleet of Sydney ferries

At risk of creating the next ‘Boaty McBoatface’ row, Sydney Ferries have turned to the public to name its new fleet.

What do you think the next Sydney ferry should be called?

• Tell us your favourite name in the comments below

At the risk of creating the next ‘Boaty McBoatface’ row, Sydney Ferries have turned to the public to name its new fleet.

Sydney Ferries is due to launch six new ferries for the inner harbour this summer, and authorities have called on the public to cast their votes.

The UK learned its lesson when a public vote on the name of a new polar research vessel in April led to an overwhelming victory for “Boaty McBoatface’.

Sydney Ferries is due to launch six new ferries this summer. Pic Chris Pavlich

Despite the majority of votes for the only too tongue-in-cheek moniker, which received 124,000 votes in England, authorities decided to name the new research vessel in honour of Sir David Attenborough.

So, some may say Sydney ferries are taking a risk after announcing it will undertake a similar three stage process to that in the UK — where the public can suggest names and vote on favourites before a panel selects the ultimate winners.

Ferry McFerryface has been already suggested as a name for one of the new ferries. Picture: Toby Zerna

Sydney Ferries’ criteria for suggested names are that they fall within three categories.

The names must have connections to Sydney Harbour, arts and culture, or science environment and innovation.

Sydney Ferries have already been inundated with responses, and as of Friday morning the Name Your Ferry website had 258 entries, with Ferry McFerryface and Boaty McBoatface soaring in popularity.

Other suggestions include: Eora, Eternity, Bennelong, Bryan ferry, Titanic, Paul Gallen, and Mary the Ferry.

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“Ferries are a big part of this city’s iconic landscape and are used by millions of Sydney siders and visitors alike,” a Transport for NSW spokesman said.

“In an Australian first, the public will be consulted in naming the new ferries, as we believe that the people who use and love the ferries should get their chance to carve their place in this city’s history forever.”

“We’re expecting a variety of names to be suggested and aren’t surprised to see Ferry McFerryFace is popular.

Boaty McBoatface was the winner of a competition to name this vessel.

“A panel has been selected to ensure that all names suggested by the public are meaningful to the character of Sydney/NSW and resonate over time.”

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance announced the public poll for the six new Sydney ferries today.

“This is an Australian first, we’re opening up naming suggestions to the public and six of those names will take a place in Sydney’s history forever,” Mr Constance said.

“The new fleet will quickly become part of the Harbour vista for locals and visitors, and we need the names to reflect Sydney and NSW.”

A panel of philanthropists and outstanding Aussies have been selected to decide on the six final names: Kevin Sumption, chief executive of the Australian National Maritime Museum; Patrick Dodd, former NSW volunteer of the year; Melissa Abu-Gazaleh, Young Australian of the year; Kim McKay, chief executive of the Australian Museum.

To offer a creative contribution head to nameyourferry.com.au. Entries close August 11.

A ride on a Sydney ferry is a rite of passage for any visitor to Sydney.

Current list of Sydney Ferries fleet names

● Freshwater class:Freshwater, Queenscliff, Narrabeen, Collaroy

● Lady class: Lady Northcott, Lady Herron

● First class fleet: Supply,Sirius, Alexander,Borrowdale, Charlotte, Fishburn, Friendship, Golden Grove, Scarborough

● Rivercat class: Betty Cuthbert, Dawn Fraser, Shane Gould, Marlene Matthews, Marjorie Jackson, Evonne Goolagong, Nicole Livingstone

● SuperCat class: Saint Mary Mackillop, Susie O’Neill, Louise Sauvage, SuperCat 4

● HarbourCat class: Anne Sargeant, Pam Burridge