Auckland’s first high-speed electric hybrid ferry coming in 2023
Auckland’s first electric hybrid high speed ferry will be joining the Hauraki Gulf ferry network, Fullers360 announced on Thursday.
The company said this is its first critical step in decarbonising its Auckland fleet and will reduce carbon emissions by 75,000kg per year on the Devonport route alone.
The vessel – designed by Incat Crowther – is expected to be completed in 2023 and will have a capacity for around 300 passengers. It will serve the Devonport route but can also travel to other destinations.
The Devonport ferry route is run by Fullers360 as a purely commercial service outside Auckland Transport’s subsidised public transport network.
Fullers360 said this is the first step in a broader plan to replace its diesel fleet with electric vessels, in line with the government’s climate change reduction goals.
The vessel is being completely built by Q-West in Whanganui and is set to support 30 jobs in the region.
It will feature an electric-hybrid propulsion control system from HamiltonJet, allowing it to operate at higher speeds while using less energy.
Mike Horne, Fullers360’s chief executive officer, said the company’s long-term vision is to deliver sustainable marine transport for Auckland and other regions.
Fullers360’s Gulf2025 strategy was launched in 2018, and included the aim of growing a larger and more sustainable ferry network.
The company has invested more than $1 million in the design and feasibility of sustainable ferry technology, which has led to collaboration with industry experts EV Maritime.