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After months of testing and sea trials, Auckland’s first plug-in electric-hybrid fast ferry is a step closer to entering service, with stakeholders, dignitaries and local politicians becoming its first passengers this morning.
Owned by Auckland Transport and operated by Fullers360, the ferry is part of Auckland’s Mission Electric programme aimed at reducing emissions across the public transport fleet.
The vessel is one of two electric-hybrid ferries that will operate between Devonport and downtown Auckland. The ferries, valued at about $20 million each, were funded through a partnership between Auckland Council and NZTA, with support from the Climate Action Transport Targeted Rate.
Fleet renewal
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says the new ferries will improve reliability for passengers travelling across the harbour.
“Commuters and visitors alike will welcome a new, modern, quiet hybrid ferry on this essential link between Devonport and downtown Auckland.
“Auckland has an ageing ferry fleet meaning breakdowns, cancellations, frustrated customers and more cars on the road, so replacing the fleet with brand new vessels is an important part of giving customers confidence in our ferry network.”
The first electric-hybrid ferry, Waitematā 1, named by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, is expected to enter service in June, with the second vessel due to arrive in Auckland later this year.
Sea trials completed
Auckland Transport chief executive Stacey van der Putten says the vessel has performed well during testing.
“The electric-hybrid ferries will be a fantastic asset for our city and support our commitment to reduce transport emissions over time and improve the resilience of our public transport network.
“The first vessel has performed well during sea trials and performance of the electric propulsion and onboard systems have consistently met expectations.
“We’re excited to welcome onboard our first public transport customers to the new vessel next month.”
Waitematā 1 can carry up to 300 passengers and includes tables, USB charging ports, luggage storage and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Lower emissions
Fullers 360 CEO Mike Horne says the project marks an important step for ferry operations in Auckland.
“Delivering Waitematā 1 for Auckland has been a landmark project for our people as we help roll out the future of ferry travel.
“In recent months, our crews, engineers and operational teams have tested the electric-hybrid ferry across real routes and harbour conditions. This hands-on validation is critical.”
Mike says the vessel has been designed to deliver a quieter and smoother experience for passengers while supporting lower operating costs and emissions.
Fullers360 estimates the ferry can reduce energy costs by about 70 to 75 per cent compared with an equivalent diesel vessel when operating electrically.
On the Devonport route, replacing one equivalent diesel ferry with an electric-hybrid vessel could reduce diesel use by about 790,000 litres annually and lower CO2-e emissions by about 2500 tonnes each year.
Charging infrastructure
The propulsion system operates similarly to a plug-in hybrid vehicle, using onboard batteries for shorter journeys and a diesel generator for longer trips and operational resilience.
A fast ferry charger has already been installed at Half Moon Bay to support testing and commissioning, while additional charging infrastructure is under construction at the Downtown Ferry Terminal.
Until downtown charging is complete, the ferry will initially operate using its onboard generator before progressively transitioning to electric operation as charging infrastructure comes online.
