An official keel laying ceremony on Wednesday marked an important milestone for the Western Australian government’s plans to electrify its Swan River ferry services.
The Metronet on Swan Ferry Service Expansion project is a $107 million effort to expand public transport options along Perth’s famous Swan River.
In addition to expanding services, including the addition of a new ferry route to connect the existing Elizabeth Quay terminal with two new terminals at Matilda Bay and Applecross, five new electric ferries are being designed and built by Henderson-based shipbuilder Echo Marine Group.
Each of the battery electric ferries will be able to carry 100 passengers and will boast a maximum operating speed of 25 knots.
The new ferry services are expected to be operational starting from late 2027.
“It’s incredibly exciting to see construction get underway on our new electric ferry fleet that will underpin the biggest ever expansion of ferry services on the Swan River,” said Rita Saffioti, Western Australia’s transport minister.
“By building electric ferries in WA for the first time we’re not only supporting local jobs but strengthening our State’s shipbuilding capability for the future.
“These five locally designed and constructed ferries will be more accessible and comfortable for passengers, providing more public transport choice for daily commuters and visitors to our city.”
Echo Marine Group was awarded the contract to build the five electric ferries late last year. The five ferries will be custom designed by Echo Marine Group in partnership with One2Three Naval Architects, with backing from maritime advisers Lloyd’s Register, who signed on in March.
The WA Labor government is also running a tender for construction of the new ferry terminals, which closes in August.
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