Partnership to develop electric vessels for Brisbane’s CityCat ferry service

Queensland boat designer and builder Norman R. Wright and Sons and maritime electric design and technology business EV Maritime have entered into a partnership with the aim of developing new electric-powered vessels to be operated as part of the CityCat ferry service in Brisbane.

The ferries will be tailored specifically to Brisbane’s waterways. The partnership said the vessels’ introduction into service is scheduled for well before the commencement of the 2032 Summer Olympic games, which will be hosted by and held in Brisbane.

The development of the ferries will include the following action items:

1. A feasibility study that will assess the technical, operational, and economic feasibility of electrifying the CityCat Ferries
2. Collaboration on the design and engineering of electric, zero emissions ferries tailored specifically to Brisbane’s waterways
3. Developing a plan for local manufacturing, ensuring high-quality construction and adherence to sustainability standards.
4. Announcing a feasible timeline for fleet electrification to gradually replace existing diesel-powered ferries with electric, zero emissions ferries, targeting a fully electrified fleet in time for the 2032 Olympics