Digital Shipbuilding Shapes Sydney Harbour's New Homegrown Ferries

Sydney Harbour's new Parramatta-class ferries consume around 40 percent less fuel than their predecessors while running 136 more services a week, developed through an unusually close collaboration enabled by digital design technology. The final two of seven Incat Crowther-designed, Richardson Devine Marine-built vessels entered service in July 2026 on the commuter and tourist route between Circular Quay and Parramatta River. Augmented-reality-based design allowed stakeholders to engage with a digital model of the ship throughout the process, shaping vessels future-proofed for electric power.

 

The New Parramatta-Class Ferries

 

The new ferries offer significant improvements over the vessels they replaced. The 24-metre, 200-passenger ferries consume about 40 percent less fuel than their predecessors. They also run 136 more services each week on the route. In addition, the vessels are future-proofed for electric power. These gains sit behind an appearance similar to the older ferries.

The full order has now entered service across a two-year project. The final two ferries, Norman Selfe and Jack Mundey, began service in July 2026. These completed a total order of seven vessels for the route. The first ferry entered service in February 2024, launching the programme. The ferries operate between Circular Quay and Parramatta River with a crew of three.

 

Vessel Design and Performance

 

The ferries are built to a specific operational profile. They are expected to have a working life of 25 to 30 years. This roughly matches the River Cat-class ferries they replaced. The fully air-conditioned aluminium vessels are totally enclosed with no upper deck. Their low-wash design reduces their impact on the waterway.

Their propulsion supports a demanding service schedule. The ferries are powered by two Scania DI 13 070 engines. They offer a service speed of 22 knots and a maximum of 24 knots. The vessels are worked hard, with an average trip time of about 85 minutes. This covers a 22-kilometre crossing between the city and western Sydney.

 

The Role of Digital Design

 

The ferries emerged from an unusually collaborative development process. The design involved close cooperation between multiple stakeholders. These included the designer, Transport for New South Wales and operator Transdev. Prospective ferry crews participated through engagement with maritime unions. This breadth of input shaped the vessels throughout their development.

Digital design technology made this collaboration possible. The process was based on augmented reality technology. This allowed stakeholders to engage with a digital model of the ship. Company leadership described this engagement as central to the project. The collaboration began well before construction and continued throughout the process.

 

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Delivery and Local Manufacturing

 

The project was delivered on time and to positive reception. The A$42.6 million contract was completed punctually through the collaborative process. Transport for New South Wales said passengers had embraced the next-generation ferries. Their performance was described as exceeding expectations. This success followed earlier problems with outsourced vessel procurement.

The original brief prioritised local design and construction. Transport for NSW called for Australian-designed and Australian-built vessels. This aimed to produce ferries expressly suited to the busy western Sydney route. To support delivery, a naval architect was stationed at the builder's Tasmanian yard. This approach is presented as a template for future city ferry development worldwide.

 

The Builder's Background

 

Richardson Devine Marine brings established expertise to the project. The builder is based in a 1,500-square-metre hall in Hobart's Prince of Wales Bay. It has specialised in lightweight, high-speed catamarans since its establishment in 1989. Its output includes ferries and commercial workboats such as offshore support vessels. It built all seven Parramatta-class ferries for the Sydney route.

The builder has a track record of international work. It has constructed long-range, high-capacity passenger vessels for overseas clients. These include eight Kilimanjaro ferries operating in Tanzania. Also designed by Incat Crowther, these are sophisticated fast catamarans. They can carry over 620 passengers at a service speed of 28 knots.

 

A Global Design Pipeline

 

The Sydney project reflects Incat Crowther's broad international portfolio. The design group has completed vessels for operators around the world. It designed 38 vessels for NYC Ferry and 12 for Italy's Liberty Lines. It has also delivered numerous vessels across Asia, North America and beyond. This global reach underpins its role in the Sydney project.

The design group retains a substantial order book beyond Sydney. It designed New Zealand's first hybrid-electric ferry, which began work in mid-2026. It has a further 131 vessels under contract or construction across 21 countries. These include fast crew vessels for South Korea and a high-speed ropax ferry. The pipeline spans commuter, tourist and offshore support applications worldwide.