AUCKLAND Transport has commissioned a design for a new electric hybrid fast ferry from Australian marine engineering and design company Incat Crowther.
The new 300-passenger ferry would be the second of its kind delivered for the New Zealand transport company.
Incat Crowther will work with NZ companies Q-West Boat Builders, HamiltonJet and Fullers360 on the design, construction and delivery of the 32-metre vessel.
The ferry will be designed for a route between Auckland and the nearby North Island suburb Devonport.
Incat Crowther technical manager Dan Mace said the Incat Crowther 32 design of the new vessel is operationally flexible and efficient.
“Digital shipbuilding technology has been utilised to accurately and reliably integrate the electric drive system into the vessel,” Mr Mace said.
“With another Incat Crowther-designed electric hybrid ferry, Auckland Council will continue to reduce its emissions whilst offering safe, comfortable and reliable public transport” said Mr Mace.
Nathan Cammock, Auckland Transport’s program director for the Low Emission Ferry Programme, said Auckland and New Zealand have been investing in low-emission public transport.
“Our trains are electric, all new bus purchases will be electric and now ferries will be too,” Mr Cammock said.
“Our new low-emission ferries have greater passenger capacity, improved accessibility, and a more consistent customer experience compared to our current fleet.
“With significantly more space for bikes it will make it easier for people to cycle at either end of their ferry trip.”
The new ferry will likely be built at the new Q-West facility at Whanganui Port, designed for Q-West to maintain and repair ferries.
