Manly ferries: New vessels named after popular Sydney Harbour beaches

The names of three Emerald-class ferries, which are expected to take over the Manly to Circular Quay run in the middle of the year, have been revealed.

The new Emerald-class (Series 2) ferries — seen here being delivered at Newcastle Harbour on the deck of a cargo ship last year — that are set to replace the iconic Manly ferries in the middle of the year, have been given names by state transport authorities. Picture: David Swift

The smaller, faster and more frequent vessels set to replace Sydney’s iconic Many ferries will be named after some of Sydney’s Harbour’s most popular beaches, it can be revealed.

Three Emerald-class ferries, which are expected to take over the Manly to Circular Quay run in the middle of the year, will be called Fairlight, Clontarf and Balmoral, Transport for NSW confirmed to the Manly Daily.

NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance checks out the new Manly ferries during a visit Birdon Marine at Port Macquarie last year. Picture: Nathan Edwards

NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance sparked a controversy, and a community campaign to save the old Freshwater-class ferries, last year when he announced they would be replaced by the smaller craft.

Mr Constance argued that the 40-year-old 1000-plus seat double-decker ferries were no longer economically viable, were not carrying enough passengers and were difficult to maintain.

An existing Emerald-class ferry, the Victor Chang, entering Sydney Cove. Picture: Transdev/Scott Riley

But critics of the ferry change said the three, twin-hulled, 400-seat Emerald-class (Series 2) ferries would not hold enough people and were not capable of operating across the Sydney Heads in a large swell.

Fairlight Beach. Picture: Manly Daily

It was also feared that getting rid of the old ferries would reduce tourism numbers to Manly. The Government has confirmed earlier this month that two Freshwater class ferries will remain in service on weekends and public holidays until at least 2023.

When the Emerald ferries arrive, 328 services will be added to the Manly timetable each week, ferries will arrive every 10 minutes and the trip to Circular Quay will take 22 minutes instead of half an hour.

Clontarf Beach. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Dylan Coker

“Sydney is known for its beautiful beaches so it’s fitting these new ferries will bear the

names of some of our most well-known harbour beach hang outs,” said Transport for NSW

Acting Deputy Secretary Howard Collins.

“The current fleet servicing Manly Wharf is named after northern beaches so the new

names are in keeping with the beaches theme, only this time the focus is on harbour

beaches rather than ocean beaches.”

Balmoral Beach. Picture: John Appleyard

The new generation ferries are still undergoing a final fit out at Port Macquarie, but their main structures are complete and all their engines and components are installed.

They will still have to undergo extensive sea trials before they are put into service around mid-2021.

Mr Collins has previously pointed out that there was a misconception that the Emeralds can’t handle heavy conditions around Sydney Heads.

The new Emerald-class ferries are expected to cope with the large swells across Sydney Heads. Picture: Bradley Hunter

“There are currently six Emeralds in the fleet and these often travel to Manly when a Freshwater is unavailable or if there is high demand,” he said last October.