VESSEL REVIEW | Frances Bodkin – Catamaran ferries to serve commuter routes in Australia’s Sydney Harbour

Transdev Sydney Ferries, an operator of commuter ferries in the city of Sydney, Australia, recently welcomed four new catamaran vessels to its fleet.

Frances Bodkin, Isobel Bennett, John Nutt, and Martin Green are the first four units in a series of seven ferries built by Richardson Devine Marine of Hobart for operation by Transdev on the busy Parramatta River commuter route.

Fast transits and significant passenger capacities

The four new ferries have been named in honour of Australians who have made significant achievements in science, environment, and innovation. The vessels will be operated by Transdev while ownership will remain with the state government of New South Wales via Transport for NSW.

The four newbuilds each have all-aluminium construction, an LOA of 26.4 metres (86.6 feet), a beam of 7.2 metres (24 feet), a maximum draught of 1.55 metres (5.09 feet), and a depth of 2.2 metres (7.2 feet). Two Scania DI13 070M diesel engines that each produce 405 kW (543 hp) at 1,800 rpm drive propellers to deliver a maximum speed of 26 knots and a service speed of 23 knots, while the twin catamaran hulls generate only minimal wash.

The vessels also each have space for up to 200 passengers plus a crew of three, ensuring a greater number of passengers to be accommodated on each trip. They will predominantly run on the busy Parramatta to Circular Quay route.

The new ferries have also been future-proofed for conversion to electric propulsion when the necessary battery technologies and charging infrastructure are ready. The design also means the new ferries are expected to have a working life of 25 to 30 years.

Layout emphasising safety and comfort

While aesthetically similar to the previous River-class vessels in operation in Sydney Harbour, the new Parramatta River-class vessels are fully air-conditioned with floor to ceiling views and no upper deck seating, which will permit safe sailing underneath low bridges. The electronics in the elevated wheelhouse include a Simrad radar, and upgraded safety systems are also fitted.

Power for the onboard systems on each vessel is supplied by a Cummins Onan QD 8kW generator.

Construction of the Parramatta River-class ferries was undertaken in compliance with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority's NSCV 1D requirements. The newbuilds will replace older ferries that had been operating in the Sydney Harbour area for more than 30 years.

Although they have similar passenger capacities as their predecessors, the newer Transdev vessels will boast greatly improved efficiency, being able to consume around 40 per cent less diesel when sailing over the same distances.