THE NEWEST Parramatta River Class ferry has arrived in Sydney Harbour after a fast-tracked sailing up the coast from Hobart.
Martin Green is the fourth of seven Northern Beaches-designed Parramatta River Class ferries being built by ship builder Richardson Devine Marine.
The NSW government revealed Martin Green covered the journey, spanning 630 nautical miles, in just three days, stopping at Flinders Island, and then Eden for fuel, before sailing through the night to Sydney, with a crew of four expert mariners.
Martin Green is now undergoing cleaning before the first passengers will hop on board in the next few weeks. The ferry will predominantly run on the F3 route, between Parramatta and Circular Quay.
The vessel’s namesake is University of New South Wales global solar technology pioneer, Professor Martin Green.
The seven new ferries are gradually replacing the RiverCat and SuperCat vessels which are retiring after 30 years of service, the state government said.
Each vessel in the new fleet has a 200-person capacity, and uses 40 per cent less diesel whilst also reportedly future proofed for conversion to electric propulsion when the technology and network infrastructure become available.
The government confirmed a team of 60 people are working to build the remaining three vessels which are expected to enter passenger service by the end of the year.
NSW Premier Chris Minns commented on the new ferry, “Passengers in areas like Parramatta, Meadowbank and Drummoyne will soon have access to another brand-new ferry for their commute”.
“We have now taken delivery of most of the new fleet, giving commuters along the Parramatta River the reliable and comfortable services they deserve.”
NSW transport minister Jo Haylen commented, “It is fitting that this vessel is named after solar pioneer Martin Green”.
“This ferry has arrived ready to be converted to electric operation in the coming years, so one day, Martin Green could be charged at a wharf using the very solar cell technology that Professor Martin Green played such a key role in developing.”
Professor martin Green described having the new ferry named after him as an “incredible honour”, saying “I take great pride in knowing that this ferry is designed and built in Australia”.
“It’s fulfilling to see such a magnificent and more sustainable vessel serving as transportation for thousands of people in our beautiful city every day.
“The Sydney to Parramatta route is one of my favourite ferry journeys, and I am thrilled to see a vessel bearing my name traverse this route daily.”
Professor Green pioneered solar technology development in Australia and has been described as “the father of modern photovoltaics”.
Over a 50-year career at UNSW Sydney Mr Green has led the development of the Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC), a commercially viable and efficient silicon solar cell technology.
His PERC technology is reportedly used in the production of more than 90% of the world’s solar energy.
