Emerald-class ferry
{{Short description|Type of ferry used on Sydney Harbour}}
{{Use Australian English|date=March 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2018}}
| {{Infobox ship begin |sclass=2
|infobox caption=Emerald class}} {{Infobox ship image |Ship image=Bungaree, Circular Quay, 2017 (01).jpg |Ship caption=Bungaree at Circular Quay in November 2017}} {{Infobox ship class overview |Builders= Incat (Generation 1), Jianglong Shipbuilding Co (Generation 2) |Operators= Transdev Sydney Ferries |Class before= |Class after= |Subclasses= |Built range=2016–2021 |In service range= |Total ships building= |Total ships planned= |Total ships completed= 9 |Total ships cancelled= |Total ships active= 9 |Total ships laid up= |Total ships lost= |Total ships retired= |Total ships scrapped= |Total ships preserved=}} {{Infobox ship characteristics |Hide header= |Header caption= |Ship type= Catamaran |Ship tonnage= |Ship displacement= |Ship length= {{cvt|35|m|ftin}} |Ship beam= {{cvt|10|m|ftin}} |Ship height= |Ship draught= |Ship draft= |Ship depth= |Ship decks= 2 |Ship deck clearance= |Ship ramps= |Ship ice class= |Ship sail plan= |Ship power= 2 × Yanmar 6AYEM-GT |Ship propulsion= |Ship speed= {{convert|26|kn|lk=in}} |Ship capacity= 400 |Ship crew= 3 |Ship notes=}} |
The Emerald-class ferry is a class of ferries operated by Sydney Ferries on Sydney Harbour. There is capacity for about 400 passengers, improved accessibility for people with disabilities, Wi-Fi access, luggage and bicycle storage areas and charging stations/USB ports for electronic devices.
History
= Generation 1 (Inner Harbour) =
In November 2014, the Government of New South Wales announced six new ferries would be ordered for use on Sydney Ferries services.[http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/six-iconic-new-modern-ferries-sydney-harbour Six iconic new modern ferries for Sydney Harbour] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205164614/http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/six-iconic-new-modern-ferries-sydney-harbour |date=5 December 2014 }} Transport for NSW 28 November 2014[http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/new-sydney-ferries-set-to-sail-from-2016-20141127-11v1yz.html New Sydney ferries set to sail from 2016] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141128144549/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/new-sydney-ferries-set-to-sail-from-2016-20141127-11v1yz.html |date=28 November 2014 }} Sydney Morning Herald 28 November 2014 In September 2015, the contract to build the ferries was awarded to Incat.{{cite web|title=Australian shipyard to build Sydney's new ferries|url=http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/australian-shipyard-build-sydneys-new-ferries|publisher=Transport for NSW|date=23 September 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923140103/http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/australian-shipyard-build-sydneys-new-ferries|archive-date=23 September 2015|access-date=18 June 2017}}[http://www.incat.com.au/domino/incat/incatweb.nsf/v-print-friendly/48F992C9A0953C2FCA257EC90001280E?OpenDocument Six new ferries for Sydney Harbour] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304090432/http://www.incat.com.au/domino/incat/incatweb.nsf/v-print-friendly/48F992C9A0953C2FCA257EC90001280E?OpenDocument |date=4 March 2016 }} Incat 23 September 2015 The first ferry was expected to enter service in late 2016.{{cite web|title=Sydney's Ferry Fleet|url=http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/sydneys-ferry-fleet|publisher=Transport for NSW|access-date=30 January 2017|archive-date=4 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204221628/http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/sydneys-ferry-fleet|url-status=live}}
However, the entry into service was delayed due to problems uncovered during testing that required modifications to the vessel.{{cite news|last1=O'Sullivan|first1=Matt|title=Sydney's first new government-owned ferries in years hit bumpy waters|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydneys-newest-governmentowned-ferry-in-years-hits-bumpy-waters-20170125-gtyvyj.html|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=30 January 2017|access-date=18 June 2017|archive-date=8 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308140753/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydneys-newest-governmentowned-ferry-in-years-hits-bumpy-waters-20170125-gtyvyj.html|url-status=live}} Fred Hollows was the first ferry to enter service, commencing operations on 26 June 2017.{{cite web|title=Fred Hollows enters service|url=http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/newsroom/articles/fred-hollows-enters-service|publisher=Transport for NSW|access-date=28 June 2017|date=26 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626141254/https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/newsroom/articles/fred-hollows-enters-service|archive-date=26 June 2017|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|last1=McPhee|first1=Sarah|title=New Barangaroo Wharf open for ferries|url=http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/barangaroo-wharf-opens-for-sydney-ferries/news-story/623a7b521eaecb69bf98075deee9554b|access-date=28 June 2017|work=news.com.au|agency=Australian Associated Press|date=26 June 2017|archive-date=27 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170627063830/http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/barangaroo-wharf-opens-for-sydney-ferries/news-story/623a7b521eaecb69bf98075deee9554b|url-status=live}} The introduction of the Emerald-class ferries allowed the final two {{sclass2|Lady|ferry|0}} ferries to be withdrawn in October 2017.{{cite news|last1=O'Sullivan|first1=Matt|title=Fate of Sydney's last ladies of the harbour finally sealed|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/fate-of-sydneys-last-ladies-of-the-harbour-finally-sealed-20171019-gz4onz.html|access-date=24 October 2017|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=24 October 2017|archive-date=24 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024134643/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/fate-of-sydneys-last-ladies-of-the-harbour-finally-sealed-20171019-gz4onz.html|url-status=live}}
The sixth was delivered carrying the name Emerald 6. Transport for NSW subsequently announced it would be renamed Ferry McFerryface along the same lines as {{ship||Boaty McBoatface}}. However the Maritime Union of Australia refused to crew the vessel in protest at the name.[http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-13/sydney-ferry-will-actually-be-called-ferry-mcferryface/9146446 Ferry McFerryface to be the name of new Sydney ferry after public vote] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113190423/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-13/sydney-ferry-will-actually-be-called-ferry-mcferryface/9146446 |date=13 November 2017 }} ABC News 14 November 2017[https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/11/14/ferry-workers-boycott-ferry-mcferryface Ferry workers to boycott Ferry McFerryface] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201135810/https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/11/14/ferry-workers-boycott-ferry-mcferryface |date=1 December 2017 }} SBS World News 14 November 2017 It entered service in December 2017 named Emerald 6 with a Ferry McFerryface sticker below the bridge.[https://au.news.yahoo.com/a/38328080/ferry-mcferryface-hits-sydney-harbour/ Ferry McFerryface sets sail as union, government agree to name change] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114130713/https://au.news.yahoo.com/a/38328080/ferry-mcferryface-hits-sydney-harbour/ |date=14 January 2018 }} Seven News 17 December 2017 In January 2018, following revelations that the name was not a public vote winner but selected by Transport Minister Andrew Constance, it was renamed May Gibbs.[https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/ferry-mcferryface-wasnt-public-pick-for-new-ferry-name-until-andrew-constances-captains-pick/news-story/acf5862b4c9d9dca5f4a6ababa29ebcb Ferry McFerryface wasn't public pick for new ferry name until Andrew Constance's captain's pick] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726053429/https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/ferry-mcferryface-wasnt-public-pick-for-new-ferry-name-until-andrew-constances-captains-pick/news-story/acf5862b4c9d9dca5f4a6ababa29ebcb |date=26 July 2021 }} Daily Telegraph 30 January 2018
On 2 July 2020, Pemulwuy suffered a steering failure. The ferry suddenly began an uncommanded, sharp turn to starboard. The master immediately switched to back-up steering and took evasive action to avoid a collision with the ferry Narrabeen following closely behind. It was found that a steering toggle (joystick) had failed, and since calculations revealed the toggles had likely reached the end of their service life, the toggles on all ferries in the class were replaced with new toggles of the same type.{{cn|date=May 2025}}
On 23 November 2020, Pemulwuy suffered another near identical loss of control. Following a more detailed investigation, it was found the current flowing through the toggles was 1.2 amps, much higher than the 0.5 amps they were rated for. This increased current was causing damage to the microswitch inside and shortening its lifespan. In consultation with Incat, relays were installed to lower the current flowing through the toggles on Pemulwuy. Following successful trials, all other ferries in the class were modified to this configuration.{{Cite web |title=Ferry Safety Investigation - Loss of control - Ferry Pemulwuy Sydney Harbour - 02 July and 23 November 2020 |url=https://www.otsi.nsw.gov.au/investigations/completed-investigations/ferry-safety-investigation-loss-control-ferry-pemulwuy-sydney-harbour-02-july-and-23-november-2020 |website=Office of Transport Safety Investigations (OTSI)}}
= Generation 2 (Manly) =
In 2021 a second series of Emerald-class ferries (Generation 2), fitted with wave-piercing hulls, were built to replace the {{sclass|Freshwater|ferry|0}} ferries on the Manly ferry services.[https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/media-releases/future-for-freshwater-ferry-secured Future for Freshwater ferry secured] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127020302/https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/media-releases/future-for-freshwater-ferry-secured |date=27 November 2020 }} Transport for NSW 27 November 2020[https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/media-releases/second-freshwater-ferry-retained Second Freshwater ferry retained ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128210144/https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/media-releases/second-freshwater-ferry-retained |date=28 January 2021 }} Transport for NSW 14 January 2021 The new vessels were named after Sydney Harbour beaches Fairlight, Clontarf and Balmoral.[https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/media-releases/new-ferries-to-be-named-after-popular-harbour-beaches New ferries to be named after popular harbour beaches] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203012106/https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/media-releases/new-ferries-to-be-named-after-popular-harbour-beaches |date=3 February 2021 }} Transport for NSW 3 February 2021 In October 2021 the first of the new ferries Fairlight was put into service a few days after the Freshwater-class ferry MV Queenscliff was retired. The rest of the vessels entered service throughout the next month.{{Cite web|url=https://www.northernbeachesreview.com.au/story/7491349/no-fanfare-as-emerald-class-ferry-quietly-rolled-out/|title=No fanfare as Emerald class ferry quietly rolled out|date=31 October 2021|access-date=27 May 2023|archive-date=19 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319084826/https://www.northernbeachesreview.com.au/story/7491349/no-fanfare-as-emerald-class-ferry-quietly-rolled-out/|url-status=live}}
The new Emerald-class vessels were heavily criticized due to numerous problems and incidents that affected the vessels' performance. In November 2021 the ferry Balmoral was undertaking trials in high seas when a window was smashed and the rudder was damaged. This caused many to doubt the vessels' ability to cross Sydney Heads on days with big swells.{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/window-shattered-rudder-problem-identified-as-new-manly-ferry-fails-testing-20211128-p59cv4.html|title=Window shattered, rudder problem identified as new Manly ferry fails testing|date=28 November 2021|access-date=27 May 2023|archive-date=21 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221005012/https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/window-shattered-rudder-problem-identified-as-new-manly-ferry-fails-testing-20211128-p59cv4.html|url-status=live}} Another problem identified with the vessels was that they were unable to load and unload passengers on the west side of Manly Wharf at low tide. This meant that the vessels were required to use the east side of the wharf, which is typically used by the Manly Fast Ferry, during low tide causing delays for both services.{{cite news |last=O'Rourke |first=Jim |title=Manly ferry: New smaller vessels can't take on passengers during very low tide |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/manly-daily/manly-ferry-new-smaller-vessels-cant-take-on-passengers-during-very-low-tide/news-story/513a0cc4bd71a65f2a66f0b19d35f167 |url-access=subscription |access-date=2022-11-11 |publisher=The Daily Telegraph |date=2021-11-12}} In December 2021 Transport minister Rob Stokes announced that the Freshwater-class ferry MV Narrabeen would have its engine rebuilt and would be returned to service due to the ongoing problems with the new Emerald-class vessels.{{Cite news|url = https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-12-10/sydney-news-narrabeen-ferry-saved-from-retirement/100687748|title = Sydney news: Narrabeen ferry saved from retirement after Emerald class underperforms|newspaper = ABC News|date = 10 December 2021|access-date = 27 May 2023|archive-date = 25 December 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221225120608/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-12-10/sydney-news-narrabeen-ferry-saved-from-retirement/100687748|url-status = live}} On 12 March 2022 it was announced that the vessels had been cleared to operate in swells of up to {{convert|4.5|m}}.
The class have experienced a number of steering faults and failures. They were removed from service on 26 September 2022 after two separate ferries suffered identical failures in two days. One of these was a near miss with the cruise ship {{ship||Coral Princess}}.{{Cite web |last=O'Sullivan |first=Matt |date=2022-09-26 |title=Manly ferries removed from service after steering failure near cruise ship |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/manly-ferries-removed-from-service-after-steering-failure-near-cruise-ship-20220926-p5bl6m.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320031111/https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/manly-ferries-removed-from-service-after-steering-failure-near-cruise-ship-20220926-p5bl6m.html |archive-date=20 March 2023 |access-date=2022-10-01 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}} Since 1 December 2021, the Office of Transport Safety Investigations (OTSI) had already received reports of 10 other steering defects with no known cause.{{Cite web |last=OTSI |date=2024-10-03 |title=Safety and assurance systems for defect management (critical steering controls) in the Emerald Class Generation II Fleet |url=https://www.otsi.nsw.gov.au/investigations/ongoing-investigations/safety-and-assurance-systems-defect-management-critical-steering-controls-emerald-class-generation-ii-fleet |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=www.otsi.nsw.gov.au |language=en-AU}} It is unknown when the ferries returned to service. In May 2025, the ferries were once again pulled from service after another steering failure, with the operator Transdev stating the ferries required "a component change-out after a relay component issue was identified in the steering system on the Clontarf".{{Cite web |last=Smee |first=Kim |date=2025-05-12 |title=Manly Ferry steering failure rumours confirmed by operator |url=https://manlyobserver.com.au/manly-ferry-steering-failure-rumours-confirmed-by-operator/ |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=Manly Observer |language=en-US}} As of late May 2025, a cause for these issues has not been announced, and the OTSI investigation remains ongoing.
Design
File:Fred Hollows ferry July 2017-002.jpg
The Emerald class operate on Cross Harbour ferry services and are designed to look similar to the {{sclass2|First Fleet|ferry|0}} vessels. The ferries seat 375 passengers. The Generation 2 Emerald class were designed with wave piercing hulls to allow them to cross the Sydney Heads on days with high swells. The most noticeable difference between the Generation 1 and Generation 2 Emerald-class ferries is two large handle-like structures on the bows of the Generation 2 ferries.
==Vessels==
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{commons category-inline|Emerald ferry class|Emerald-class ferry}}
{{Sydneyferries|state=collapsed}}
{{Australianferries|state=collapsed}}
Category:Ferry transport in Sydney
Category:Incat high-speed craft