The substandard safety of ferries operating along Sydney’s Parramatta River prompted the New South Wales (NSW) government to order a new fleet of seven ferries.
According to the NSW Government granted the building tender to Richardson Devine Marine Shipbuilders in Hobart. The seven new vessels will replace seven RiverCat vessels, set to retire after 30 years of service. Issues that plagued the River Class included:
- Not being able to fit under some bridges with passengers on the top deck
- Asbestos
- Sub-standard fit and finish
- Wheelhouse window angles making night operations dangerous
- Engine stalling
- Potential of fires or electrocution caused by sub-standard electrical equipment and sub-standard steering components.
The approximately 43 defects pushed their service commencement dates out by well over a year.
The new Parramatta-class vessels will not have upper deck seats, which was deemed too risky to utilise when going under Camellia Railway Bridge and Gasworks Bridge.
The RiverCats have served the Parramatta River faithfully for over 30 years, these new ferries will have the same 200 person capacity, while using 40% less diesel.
… said NSW Transport Minister, Jo Haylen
The new ferries will also have the ability to convert to electric propulsion as battery, charging, and engine technology advance. Construction of the new ferries will begin in July.
This commitment will produce Aussie-made NSW-designed ferries equipped with modern propulsion technology to ferry passengers well into the future.
… said NSW Premier, Chris Minns
