HOBART-based Richardson Devine Marine Shipbuilders has received the construction tender for seven new Parramatta Class ferries.
Australian shipbuilder and engineering company Incat Crowther designed the new ferries. Richardson Devine Marine is due to start constructing them in July.
The new ferries will operate on the Parramatta River, replacing seven Cairns-built RiverCat vessels that have been in service for 30 years.
The NSW government said the new ferries will allow for future conversion to electric propulsion as battery, charging and engine technologies improve.
“This commitment will produce Aussie-made NSW-designed ferries equipped with modern propulsion technology to ferry passengers well into the future,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said.
“I’m looking forward to the day I can announce a brand new, NSW-built ferry. It won’t be easy, and it will take time, but we are determined to do it.”
NSW transport minister Jo Haylen noted the new ferries would have the same 200-person capacity as the original RiverCats,but would use 40% less diesel.
“It’s exciting to be supporting Australian manufacturing, with ferries that are ready for a net-zero future.”
And a spokesperson for Richardson Devine Marine thanked the NSW government, Transport for NSW and Sydney Ferries for choosing the shipbuilder to deliver the ferries.
“Since RDM was founded in 1989, we have built a strong reputation for building high quality aluminium passenger and cruise/charter vessels for commercial operators worldwide,” they said.
“You will find our Aussie-built vessels hard at work around the globe from Tasmania to Tanzania.
“We’re excited to start building the new vessels for the people of NSW and can’t wait to see them on the beautiful Parramatta River.”
The NSW government expects the new ferry design to be a “vast improvement” on that of 10 overseas-made River Class vessels that entered service in October 2021.
It said the River Class vessels had around 43 defects and issues such as asbestos; engine stalling; and sub-standard fit, finish, electrical equipment and steering components.
They were also unable to fit under some bridges – namely the Camellia Railway Bridge and Gasworks Bridge – with passengers on the top deck.
The NSW government said the new vessels will not include the “dangerous” upper deck seating.
It said Transport for NSW has worked with naval architects, operator Transdev and union representatives to ensure faults with the River Class ferries are not repeated.
