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The green and yellow ferries that glide across our harbour are an iconic Sydney sight – and soon Sydney ferries will get greener still (in the climate-friendly sense), as well as quieter, as plans for electric ferries start rolling out.
The NSW Government has announced that construction on the first 24-metre battery electric ferry is set to begin this year and will start off by servicing the Sydney Fish Market route at Blackwattle Bay. Once the new wharf and ferry are constructed, 12 months of testing will begin in early 2028, and Sydneysiders can expect to access the Market aboard the new ferry from 2029.
The trial is expected to shape the future rollout of electric ferries across a range of Sydney Harbour routes, as the government continues its shift away from diesel-powered transport. This follows the recent opening of NSW’s first-ever electric bus depot, now powering hundreds of clean buses across the city. Both projects form part of the state’s broader commitment to reaching net zero emissions across public transport operations by 2035.
Construction on the new ferry will be led by Shipyard Richardson Devine Marine and modelled off the existing Parramatta River Class ferries. To support the rollout, shoreside charging infrastructure will be installed at Barangaroo Wharf.
Transport for NSW co-ordinator General Howard Collins said the trial will be a chance to “test the vessel’s performance, reliability, and charging systems in real-world conditions”.
While there are no official plans beyond the trial just yet – and Sydneysiders will still have to wait a few years before catching a ride – the move marks a major step forward in the future of Sydney transport and climate-friendly living. Cleaner, quieter and better for the planet? We’re on board.
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