Sydney’s newest ferry sails into harbour weeks before passengers hop on

Sydney’s newest ferry has sailed into the harbour, marking a new generation of vessels able to be converted to electric propulsion.

The catamaran ferry is part of the $48 million Parramatta River-class fleet gradually replacing the seven RiverCat vessels scrapped after 30 years of service.

The Martin Green is the latest Australian-made ferry.Credit: Steven Siewert

The Martin Green arrived in Sydney Harbour at 3am on Tuesday after sailing 630 nautical miles on its three-day maiden trip from Hobart, stopping briefly at Flinders Island and Eden. It will undergo sea trials and be cleaned before the first passengers board in the next few weeks, and will operate mostly on the F3 route between Parramatta and Circular Quay.

Although the vessels still use diesel and are not equipped to run on zero-emissions technology, they are ready-built for conversion to electric operation.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said these vessels were 60 per cent more efficient than the Rivercats: “They use less diesel, and they are future-proofed for conversion to renewable energy.”

“One day I hope they will be powered by renewable energy from solar panels,” she said.

How the new ferries stack up to the old RiverCats

Parramatta River-class 

• Started operating in March 2024, with the rest to be delivered in 2025
• Built in Hobart
• 200-person capacity, 24m long, 7.2 m wide
• Named in honour of Australians with achievements in science, environment, and innovation

Sydney RiverCats

• Started operating on the Parramatta River in 1993
• Built in Cairns 
• 230-person capacity, 37m long, 10.5m wide
• Named in honour of famous Australian female athletes

Each Australian-made ferry uses 40 per cent less diesel, and has more comfortable seating, upgraded safety systems and greater accessibility. However, passenger capacity for the new vessels is capped at 200, 30 fewer than the old RiverCats.

Action for Public Transport spokesman Graeme Taylor previously told the Herald that the new ferries would not be able to alleviate pressures put on the system by surging patronage on the Parramatta River route.

“The existing RiverCats can carry 230 passengers and have more space to stand and for people to put luggage, prams and surfboards. The new ferries are registered for 200 people but will feel full at 150,” Taylor said.

However, when the first ferry arrived in March last year, Haylen said she was optimistic the new ferries could meet passenger demand.

“We’re hopeful also that because these new ferries will be more reliable, it will also ensure there are fewer cancellations and delays for passengers,” she said.

Chris Minns and Jo Haylen welcome the fourth ferry in the seven-strong fleet.Credit: Steven Siewert

NSW Premier Chris Minns described them as “state-of-the-art vessels” for commuters along the Parramatta River.

“Passengers in areas like Parramatta, Meadowbank and Drummoyne will soon have access to another brand-new ferry for their commute,” he said. “This is not just a fantastic way to get to and from work to see our great city. It’s also become a tourist attraction, an icon for our community.”

The state’s ferry network was put under increasing scrutiny three years ago after 10 ferries in the River-class fleet were found to be riddled with more than 40 defects after arriving from Indonesia. It was also found that they could not pass under two bridges on the Parramatta River if there were passengers on the top deck.

The remaining three new ferries are being built by Hobart-based shipbuilders Richardson Devine Marine, with the next vessel due for delivery by April.

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