THE first new Australian built Parramatta River Class ferry has just arrived in Sydney after passing the ultimate sea test, crossing the Bass Strait.
This is the first of seven new Northern Beaches-designed vessels being built by Hobart-based ship builder Richardson Devine Marine.
These ferries will be a significant improvement on ferries procured by the former government that did not fit under some bridges with passengers on the top deck, contained asbestos, were a potential fire risk and had wheelhouse windows that made night operations dangerous.
The next ferry in the new Parramatta River Class fleet is just a few weeks behind and is expected to commence builder’s trials in early May.
The seven new vessels will replace the RiverCat and SuperCat vessels which will be retired after 30 years of service.
Each vessel in the new Parramatta River Class fleet will have a 200-person capacity, while using 40 per cent less diesel and are also future proofed for conversion to electric propulsion when the technology and network infrastructure become available.
They’ll be more reliable and include more comfortable seating, upgraded safety systems and provide greater accessibility.
A team of 60 people is working to build the remaining six vessels which are expected to enter passenger service over the course of the next 18 months.
This new ferry covered a total of 630 nautical miles, stopping at Flinders Island and Eden on its way to Sydney with a crew of four expert mariners steering the vessel safely on its maiden trip. She passed through the Sydney Heads at 8:30pm last night.
Following her arrival, the Frances Bodkin will now be thoroughly cleaned and conduct further sea trials to ensure she’s ship-shape, before the first passengers hop on board in the next few weeks.
Frances Bodkin will predominantly run in the calm river conditions of the F3 route, between Parramatta and Circular Quay.
Premier Chris Minns said: “The people of Parramatta and all those who travel on the Parramatta Rivier will finally have access to brand new safe and reliable ferries that they always deserved.
“This state-of-the-art Australian-designed, Australian-made vessel is just weeks away from passenger service and we couldn’t be more excited for people to be able to jump onboard.
“This is the first of a fleet of new ferries which will give passengers more reliable services, more comfortable seating, more accessibility and upgraded safety systems.”
Image: Frances Bodkin arrives in Sydney.
