First vessel in new Fleet of next generation Parramatta River Ferries enters service
The NSW Government has announced that the first of seven new Parramatta Class ferries, designed by leading digital shipbuilder Incat Crowther, is now in service in Sydney. These state-of-the-art ferries, constructed in Tasmania, Australia by Richardson Devine Marine, are set to service the busy Parramatta River commuter route.
A second vessel has already begun sea trials, while three more are under construction. The full fleet is expected to enter passenger service over the next 18 months. Incat Crowther worked closely with Transport for NSW and operator Transdev on the digital design of these new commuter ferries, utilizing augmented reality headset technology to allow stakeholders to engage with the digital model of the ships throughout the process.
While the new Parramatta Class vessels are aesthetically similar to the previous River Class vessels, they come with several new features. These include full air-conditioning, no upper deck seating, and floor-to-ceiling views that will offer commuters a smooth and enjoyable ride. With a 200-person capacity, these ferries will predominantly run on the busy Parramatta to Circular Quay route. Furthermore, the vessels have been future-proofed for conversion to electric propulsion when network infrastructure becomes ready. The innovative design ensures the ferries are expected to have a 25-30 year working life.
Brett Crowther, CEO of Incat Crowther, stated, “Incat Crowther is an expert in designing solutions for city networks and has a proven track record of partnering with governments to deliver tailored passenger ferries for mass transit systems across the globe.” He further highlighted their expertise, having designed thirty-eight vessels for New York City Ferry and twelve for Italian operator Liberty Lines, among others worldwide.
The digital shipbuilding process was key to the project's success. Mr. Crowther said, "Our digital ship has been the heart of this project for Transport for NSW and Transdev, allowing us to keep a multitude of stakeholders closely involved, and creating trust and confidence before construction commenced.” Incat Crowther also worked closely with Richardson Devine Marine, with one of their naval architects stationed on site to provide construction oversight support.
The seven new vessels in the Parramatta fleet are named in honor of Australians who have made significant contributions to science, the environment, and innovation. The first vessel, Frances Bodkin, is named after a D’harawal Elder who has dedicated her life to cataloguing plants native to western Sydney.
This article was originally published on Marine & Industrial Report newspaper Vol 46 No.5 Issue last October 31, 2024.
