The 3 Second Generation Emerald Class vessels are being fitted with heavier duty engines to reduce the time these ferries spend receiving maintenance and assist with engine load management.
The 3 vessels will come out of passenger service 1 at a time for the new engines to be fitted. Balmoral was the first to be removed from service on 4 February.
Transdev Sydney Ferries are starting the re-fitting program after the busy summer holidays and by only taking 1 vessel out at a time, will not be disrupting the timetable.
The F1 Manly service is continuing to operate the usual timetable with 2 Freshwater class vessels and whichever Emerald Class Mk II vessels are not in dry-dock.
Balmoral came out of passenger service on 4 February for about 10 weeks and is currently having a new engine fitted. Once the Balmoral is back in service in around April, the Clontarf will be taken out of service. The final Emerald Class Ferry, Fairlight, is due to undergo an engine change in late August.
The re-engine program is being carried out at the Balmain Shipyard by Transdev Sydney Ferries, with around 30 people working on the project.
Once the engines are installed, Transdev will conduct extensive sea trials with Transport for NSW Health and Safety Representatives and industry regulators.
Quotes attributable to Transport Minister Jo Haylen:
“These overseas-built ferries had a challenging start to their time on the harbour, but these new engines will mean the ferries will be taken out of service less and spend more time serving the passengers of the Sydney Harbour.”
“By re-fitting the vessels with hydrogen fuel capable equipment, we are moving forward on future proofing the Sydney ferry fleet.”
“Passengers can still enjoy an iconic trip on the Harbour to and from Manly on 1 of the Freshwater Class vessels, which are now running every hour giving passengers more choice and increasing passenger capacity on the popular F1 ferry route.”
