Auckland’s transition to greener public transport has taken a significant step forward, as local shipbuilder McMullen and Wing commenced sea trials for a new all-electric ferry commissioned by Auckland Transport. The vessel is the first in a series designed by EV Maritime, a New Zealand-based company, and developed with support from the New Zealand Government.
The cutting-edge ferry boasts lightweight carbon-fibre construction and is powered by batteries that drive Hamilton waterjets. During recent trials, this innovative configuration propelled the vessel to speeds of up to 30.4 knots, showcasing the potential of electric propulsion in marine transport.
Once completed, the ferry will join another identical vessel to serve the 16-kilometre route between downtown Auckland and Half Moon Bay. Designed with commuters in mind, the ferry will accommodate 200 passengers on its fully enclosed main deck, with an additional 30 seats available on the upper deck. Passenger amenities include two standard restrooms, an ADA-accessible restroom, and a small kiosk offering coffee and refreshments.
EV Maritime claims the vessel’s batteries can be recharged in just 10 minutes during regular turnarounds. A full charge is expected to provide enough power for a complete round trip on its assigned route, making it a practical and sustainable addition to Auckland’s ferry fleet.
Share it now
