Sydney’s First Electric Ferry Is Finally Coming—Here’s Everything You Need To Know

Sydney’s ferry network is officially entering its electric era, with the city’s first battery-powered ferry now locked in for construction later this year.

The new 24-metre vessel will become the first electric ferry to operate on Sydney Harbour, marking the beginning of a long-term shift away from diesel-powered boats across the state-owned fleet.

While the original rollout timeline has slipped, the project is now moving ahead—with trial dates, routes and charging infrastructure plans starting to take shape.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Jump to:

• When Will Sydney’s Electric Ferry Launch?
• What Route Will The Electric Ferry Operate On?
• Why Is Sydney Switching To Electric Ferries?
• What Else Is Changing Across Sydney’s Ferry Fleet?

When Will Sydney’s Electric Ferry Launch?

Construction on the first electric ferry is expected to begin later this year, following a newly signed deal between the NSW Government and Hobart shipbuilder Richardson Devine Marine.

The vessel will then undergo a 12-month trial period from early 2028, before officially entering passenger service in 2029.

The electric ferry has been modelled on the existing Parramatta River-class vessels currently operating across Sydney Harbour, with design work led by Sydney-based naval architects Incat Crowther.

What Route Will The Electric Ferry Operate On?

The new vessel is expected to initially service the future Sydney Fish Market route at Blackwattle Bay.

The long-awaited ferry connection will link passengers directly to the new $836 million Sydney Fish Market precinct once both the commuter wharf and ferry infrastructure are complete.

Transport for NSW has also indicated the electric ferry could operate across additional harbour routes in the future, depending on the outcome of trial testing.

To support the rollout, new charging infrastructure will be installed at Barangaroo Wharf. The charging systems will form part of the trial phase, allowing Transport for NSW and ferry operator Transdev to test battery performance, charging reliability and operational range in real-world harbour conditions.

One of the major challenges for the broader electrification plan will be integrating charging infrastructure across Sydney’s ferry network—particularly on longer or high-frequency routes.

Why Is Sydney Switching To Electric Ferries?

The NSW Government has previously outlined ambitions to eventually replace the state’s diesel-powered ferry fleet with electric and hydrogen-powered vessels as part of broader emissions reduction goals.

Electric ferries are expected to deliver quieter trips, lower operating emissions and cleaner air across Sydney Harbour.

Transport Minister John Graham said the project marks an important first step in modernising the fleet, with future decisions expected to be shaped by how the first vessel performs during testing. However, not every Sydney ferry route will easily transition to battery power.

Industry experts have pointed to longer services—like the Parramatta River route—as being more challenging due to the distance travelled and the additional charging time required at each end of the journey.

Fast ferry services, including routes like Watsons Bay, may also present complications, with relatively few high-speed electric ferries currently operating globally.

What Else Is Changing Across Sydney’s Ferry Fleet?

The electric rollout comes amid wider changes across Sydney’s ferry network.

Earlier this year, the last remaining RiverCat ferry was officially retired after more than three decades operating along the Parramatta River.

Meanwhile, one of Sydney’s iconic Freshwater-class Manly ferries, the Collaroy, is also expected to be retired as the fleet continues to modernise.

The electric ferry may still be a few years away from carrying passengers, but it’ll likely become one of the most closely watched additions to Sydney’s transport network—particularly as the new Sydney Fish Market precinct edges closer to opening.

Image credit: North Sydney Living | Instagram