Manly Fast Ferries days away from service promising 17 minute trip to city for 375 passengers

THE first of two new Manly Fast Ferries was at Manly today to undergo a trial and for staff training and both new vessels could be in service by the end of the week.

THE first of two new Manly Fast Ferries was at Manly today as part of its trials and staff training, and both new vessels could be in service by the end of the week.

The 33m Ocean Surfer and Ocean Flyer were designed by One2three Naval Architects in Sydney and built by the world-famous Incat in Hobart.

The bridge of the Ocean Surfer

Each of the new vessels can carry 375 passengers — slightly more than one-third of the number the Freshwater-class ferries can carry — and can get them from Manly to the city in 17 minutes — half the time of the traditional ferries.

Manly Fast Ferry co-director Richard Ford said it was exciting to have the new boats in Sydney.

“They’re very nice looking boats, with good performance, a smooth ride, fast, fuel efficient and very comfortable for passengers,” he said.

“We still have some paperwork to do, as well as training and trials, but we could have them in service on Thursday or Friday.”

Ocean Surfer skipper Andrew Kirby

Manly Fast Ferry began operating the Manly-Circular Quay run in early 2009 after the State Government withdrew the jetcats from service at the end of 2008.

The company was awarded a 14-month contract, at the end of which the contract was handed to Sydney Fast Ferries in April 2010.

But Manly Fast Ferry continued operating, using the wharf in front of the Manly Wharf Hotel.

Then, after four years of two competing services, the State Government awarded a seven-year contract to a sole operator — Manly Fast ferry.

Ocean Surfer co-owner Will Ford aboard the new vessel at Manly

Ever since, patronage of the Manly Fast Ferry fleet has increased, leading to the commissioning of four new vessels — two 24m boats call Ocean Wave and Ocean Tracker and the two new 33m vessels — all built by Incat.

The 24m vessels, which can carry 260 passengers, entered service in December.

All four new vessels feature dual gangways, which decrease the time it takes to embark and disembark passengers, and increase turnaround times.

The new vessels have allowed Manly Fast Ferries to cease chartering boats from other companies.