Australian vessel operator Transdev Sydney Ferries recently took delivery of two new catamaran ferries.
Norman Selfe (pictured) and Jack Mundey are the final two ferries in a series that also includes the 2024-built Frances Bodkin, Isobel Bennett, John Nutt, and Martin Green. All were built by RDM Constructions (formerly Richardson Devine Marine) of Hobart.
The vessels will be operated by Transdev while ownership will remain with the State Government of New South Wales via Transport for NSW. Their main area of operations will encompass the Parramatta River.
The two newbuilds each have all-aluminium construction, an LOA of 26.4 metres, a beam of 7.2 metres, a maximum draught of only 1.55 metres, and a depth of 2.2 metres. Two Scania DI13 070M diesel engines that each produce 405 kW 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. They will predominantly run on the busy Parramatta to Circular Quay route.
The ferries may also be retrofitted with 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.
