Manly ferries: Another iconic vessel set to return on run to Circular Quay
Another iconic Manly ferry is expected to return to the run to Circular Quay as transport officials bring in overseas experts to get the troubled Emerald-class fleet back in the water.
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Another traditional Manly ferry is expected to return to Sydney Harbour in a matter of weeks to help desperate transport authorities cope with the expected post-Covid summer passenger surge.
Two iconic and beloved Freshwater-class ferries — the Collaroy and the Freshwater — were called back into weekday work after the troubled new fleet of three Gen 2 Emerald ferries was pulled from service last month for safety reasons.
Now it has been confirmed that the old Queenscliff will be back as soon as December, replacing the soon-to-be decommissioned Collaroy, to bolster services on the busy F1 route to the CBD.
The Queenscliff was originally scheduled to be reintroduced to weekend service next year to replace the MV Collaroy which is due to be withdrawn in October 2023.
All four of the old Freshwater ferries, including the Narrabeen, had originally been destined for the scrap heap and replaced by the smaller, faster twin-hulled Emerald vessels.
But after a concerted community campaign, the Collaroy and Freshwater were returned to use on weekends and public holidays by the NSW Government.
Then when authorities were forced to pull the Gen 2 Emeralds, the two Freshwaters were drafted in on weekdays. They were joined by smaller Gen 1 Emeralds, normally used on inner Harbour routes.
The Gen 2 Emeralds, operated by international transport giant Transdev on behalf of the NSW Government, had been plagued by steering problems and other mechanical issues, since their introduction late last year.
In an effort to make sure they are returned to the Manly run “as quickly as possible”, Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has brought in a leading international marine regulator, the Germany-based DNV, to do an independent audit of the ferries as well as a compliance assessment.
TfNSW confirmed that Transdev, and the ferry manufacturer were focusing on the vessels’ hydraulic steering.
“Transdev is working closely with the Australian steering system designer as well as their component manufacturers and Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)-certified maritime surveyors, during the test and trial phase,” a spokesman said.
“This work is progressing well and as necessary the vessels will be tested on water under strict safety supervision with no passengers.
“Our priority remains fixing the steering issues and returning the vessels to service as quickly as possible.”
TfNSW said the Gen 2 ferries would not return until the steering was fixed and the repairs signed-off by AMSA.
A critic of the new Emeralds, Northern Beaches Councillor Candy Bingham, who has led a campaign for the return of the Freshwater ferries, said she was pleased that DNV had been appointed.
“They are a world leader in the certification of marine vessels,” Cr Bingham said on Tuesday.
“It gives me great confidence because I know that they will do a highly professional job.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if they declare the Generation 2 Emeralds not suitable for the Manly route.”
Ms Bingham said passengers and tourists still did not have a reliable ferry service to Manly because the smaller Gen 1 ferries were not designed for large swells through Sydney Heads.
“So bringing back a third Freshwater-class ferry, particularly in time for summer, is absolutely critical.”
A spokeswoman for Transport Minister David Elliott confirmed the Queenscliff Freshwater class ferry would replace the Collaroy in a matter of weeks.
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