Sydney’s transport needs are growing and changing, which creates a need for new ferries. We have initially introduced six new Inner Harbour ferries to meet this demand, as part of Sydney’s Ferry Future plan.

Increased ferry services are run around the needs of both business and leisure passengers. New east-west Inner Harbour routes began in 2017 between Watsons Bay and Cockatoo Island, and now use new wharves, including the Barangaroo Ferry Wharf.

The new Inner Harbour ferries were designed by Incat Tasmania Pty Ltd, and have the following features:

Capacity for 400 passengers

Two wide walk-around decks

Accessibility for the less mobile and young families

Bicycle and luggage storage

Wi-fi access

Real time journey information

12 wheelchair spaces

Rapid and safe boarding

Reduced travel times

The names of the new emerald class ferries were chosen by the public as part of the Name Your Ferry competition. The six ferries were named the Catherine Hamlin, Fred Hollows, Victor Chang, Pemulwuy, Bungaree and May Gibbs. All vessels are now in service.

Roads and Maritime Services is also upgrading ferry wharves across Sydney to improve ferry services for customers.

Project status:

The project is complete.

Six new Inner Harbour ferries were brought into service during 2017.

The vessels were named following a public competition to name the new fleet. The names of the six new vessels are:

• Catherine Hamlin

• Fred Hollows

• Victor Chang

• Pemulwuy

• Bungaree

• May Gibbs