Today we are looking at the final ferry type in the Sydney Ferries fleet. The new Inner Harbour ferries, they have been coquially called the Hertiage or Emerald class but no offfical name has been given.
This class of ferry is being built by Incat in Tasmania. The first ferry “Catherine Hamlin” was delivered in December 2016, however due to manufacture faults is yet to enter service. The second ferry delivered and first to enter service was “Fred Hollows”, it was delivered in March 2017 and entered service in June 2017. The third ferry “Victor Chang” was delivered in June 2017 but is yet to enter service.
The new ferries are expected to operate on the F4 Darling Harbour, F5 Mosman Bay, F6 Neutral Bay and F7 Rose Bay services.
Features of the new ferries include;
- Capacity for up to 400 passengers
- Two wide walk-around decks
- Accessibility for the less mobile and young families
- Bicycle and luggage storage
- Wi-fi access
- Real time journey information
- 12 wheelchair spaces
- Rapid and safe boarding
- Reduced travel times
On a more technical aspect the ferries travel at 26 knots and are 36.38 metres long. They have a displacement of approximately 50 tons depending on passenger numbers.
Transport NSW Blog 