Sydney Harbour’s oldest Freshwater-class ferry to be retained for weekend sailings

A second Freshwater-class vessel will continue to operate on Sydney Harbour, following further consultation and feedback from the community, Transport for NSW confirmed on Thursday, January 14.

Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said that Freshwater (pictured), the oldest vessel in the fleet, will continue to operate alongside Collaroy on weekends.

The two Freshwater-class ferries, each with capacity for 1,100 passengers, will see services run between Circular Quay and Manly every hour on weekends and public holidays, year round. Meanwhile, the weekday routes will be served by newer Emerald-class vessels, which are expected to be more energy-efficient as well as less costly to operate.

Freshwater will temporarily cease operation in the first quarter of 2021 while it undergoes major maintenance. During this time, the remaining three Freshwater-class ferries will continue to run services.

Narrabeen and Queenscliff will officially retire around the middle of the year when Freshwater returns from major maintenance and the Emerald-class vessels begin operation on the F1 Circular Quay – Manly route. All four Freshwater-class vessels will operate throughout this summer.