Construction of Auckland’s first electric ferry is progressing with two identical electric ferries being built for Auckland Transport (AT) by Auckland based boat builders McMullen & Wing.
The electric ferries are being designed and engineered by Auckland based company EV Maritime.
Auckland mayor Phil Goff says that at 24 metres long these will be the biggest fully electric ferries in the Southern Hemisphere.
“Upgrading the fleet with high quality, high-capacity electric ferries is an important step towards reaching our commitment to cut emissions in half by 2030 and improving services for commuters,” he says.
“Each ferry will be able to carry up to 200 passengers and 30 bikes which is around twice the amount our ferries can currently take and will also provide a quieter, more reliable and comfortable service to Aucklanders.”
Auckland Transport Metro Services group manager Darek Koper says it is about ensuring a clean, green Tamaki Makaurau for the next generation.
“Aucklanders can now proudly say that we are making very real progress towards a low emissions public transport network,” he says.
“Our train network is now 100% electric, our buses are transitioning to electric, and we are seeing great progress on these first two electric ferries.”
The new e-ferries will have about 40km range from onboard batteries and be able to travel at similar speeds to the present ones.
The batteries will then be recharged from land-based charging points installed at AT’s wharves while loading and unloading passengers.
McMullen & Wing projects manager Craig Sutherland says it’s exciting to see progress on the electric ferries already.
“After years of development it’s great to have these first two boats taking physical form and to translate the vision into future-focused jobs right here in Auckland.”
EV Maritime co-founder Michael Eaglen says this is the first step in a decarbonised ferry fleet for Auckland.
“These first two electric ferries are a fantastic opportunity for EV Maritime to demonstrate our vision for a zero-emission ferry system delivering fast, reliable and enjoyable services to the whole of the Auckland ferry network.”
Auckland Transport, which will own the two electric ferries, will receive a $27 million grant funding from the Government (administered via Crown Infrastructure Partners) to pay about 75% of the costs of constructing the two new electric ferries. The funding comes from Infrastructure Reference Group’s COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund.
These vessels are in addition to new electric-hybrid vessels announced in July and follow another electric ferry suggestion.