Iconic Sydney ferries to be replaced by electric vessels

The ferries, which cater to hundreds of tourists and commuters everyday, are set to undergo a major shake up.

Sydney’s iconic ferries are set to undergo a major shake up, being traded in for electric, zero-emission vessels.

The market sounding process has already begun, with the ferries set to be made locally.

Transport for NSW are currently working with local businesses to develop the next generation of vessels.

Hundreds of tourists and commuters use the ferries each day, with the new replacements set to use dual-level boarding to ensure crowds can get on and off quickly.

Sydney’s iconic ferries are set to be replaced with electric vessels. Picture: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

Save the Manly Ferry Committee councillor Candy Bingham has called for the replacements to be a “look alike” of the Freshwater Manly Ferries, however noted a change in size could be beneficial.

“A ferry that is just a little bit smaller won’t have to go into the Navy’s dry dock to be certified every five years,” Ms Bingham said.

“This will keep ferries in service on the Manly run, instead of being tied up at Balmain or Cockatoo Island waiting for maintenance.

“The Manly Ferry has always been iconic to Sydney. This next generation zero-emissions look-alike ferry will continue that history.”

The current ferries need to go to the Australian Navy’s Captain Cook Graving Dock for major maintenance, however smaller vessels can instead use dry-docks like the NSW Government-owned Balmain Shipyard.

The size of the new ferries is still up for discussion.

The market sounding process for the new vessels has begun. Picture: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen said Manly needs “high-capacity, reliable vessels” that can cater to hundreds of commuters and tourists.

“Sydney’s iconic double-ended Manly vessels started as steam ships, became the diesel ferries we know and love today, and will soon evolve into modern electric vessels,” Ms Haylen said.

“While we’ve extended the life of our Freshwater vessels, it’s important that we continue to plan for our future fleet.”

The expected timeline for the vessels is yet to be released. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

Ms Haylen said the Emerald IIs — built overseas — “weren’t built for the conditions”, leaving people on wharves because the “single gangway couldn’t load these ferries fast enough”.

“These new ferries will continue the important legacy of the Freshwaters, provide the capacity the community needs and combine it with new zero-emission propulsion to deliver a next generation ferry that’ll be fit for our harbour for years to come,” she said.

An expected timeline for the brand new ferries is set to be announced following the market sounding process, however the current diesel-powered vessels are expected to be replaced by 2035.

Transport for NSW is also hoping to bring in an electric-powered Parramatta River Class vessel for trials as early as the end of 2026.

The electric vessel would mark the first of its kind.