Sydney Harbour is preparing to go electric, with the NSW Government locking in a trial of its first battery-powered ferry—a move that could reshape the future of the city’s iconic fleet.
Transport for NSW has now signed contracts with Tasmanian shipbuilder Richardson Devine Marine to design and build the 24-metre vessel in Australia. The company expects to begin construction later this year and launch the ferry for a 12-month trial from early 2028.
The trial marks the next phase in a broader shift away from diesel-powered ferries, as Transport for NSW explores cleaner and quieter alternatives across the network. If successful, the electric ferry could enter regular passenger service by 2029, potentially servicing the highly anticipated new Sydney Fish Market at Blackwattle Bay.
A new era for Sydney ferries
The vessel itself will be based on the Parramatta River Class ferries—a fleet of seven Australian-built boats rolled out progressively since May 2024 at a cost of $49.6 million.
Those ferries have largely avoided the issues that plagued earlier, overseas-built River Class vessels, which drew criticism over steering faults, asbestos concerns and clearance risks under Parramatta River bridges.
Sydney-based naval architects Incat Crowther, who designed the Parramatta River Class, are behind the new electric model as well, as the government doubles down on local manufacturing and design.
To support the trial, the project team will install shoreside charging infrastructure at Barangaroo Wharf and use one of the harbour’s busiest transport hubs to test electrified maritime travel.
Transport Minister John Graham described the trial as a “significant step” toward modernising Sydney’s ferry network, pointing to the dual benefits of reduced emissions and a quieter ride for passengers.
What happens next
Transport for NSW Coordinator General Howard Collins said the trial would focus on how the vessel performs in real-world conditions, including its reliability, range and charging capability, as well as feedback from both commuters and crew.
The trial will play a key role in determining whether electric ferries are rolled out more broadly across Sydney’s network. For now, the government has stopped short of committing to further investment until the results are in.
Since 2023, the NSW Government has committed $120 million to ferry upgrades, including the introduction of new vessels and refurbishments to the Freshwater fleet—signalling a longer-term push to modernise one of Sydney’s most recognisable modes of transport.
If the trial proves successful, Sydney Harbour could soon join a growing list of global cities—including Stockholm and Auckland—that are turning to electric ferries as part of their public transport offerings.
