Premier inspects brand new Manly Fast Ferries

NSW Premier Mike Baird and Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance today joined ferry customers travelling between Manly and Circular Quay onboard a brand new Manly Fast Ferry.

The new, 24 metre catamarans were delivered last week and are already in service with each ferry able to carry up to 260 passengers across Sydney Harbour.

“The Ocean Wave and Ocean Tracker fast ferries were built with the Manly community in mind and feature extra loading points that will speed up passenger boarding times,” Mr Baird said.

“They are proudly Australian designed and made and will allow tourists to travel across the Harbour in style to the best beach in the world.”

Passenger boarding times are expected to improve and are expected to be around 50 per cent faster as a result of additional loading points and wider corridors.

Customers will also experience a new level of service with improved facilities such as showers, more power and USB outlets, as well as racks for storing surfboards and bicycles.

Mr Constance said two more vessels are due early next year and will be bigger, 33 metre catamarans with the capacity to carry 375 customers.

“The Manly Fast Ferry service has proved popular, with patronage numbers reaching close to 200,000 in November,” Mr Constance said.

“The new vessels are 100 per cent Australian made. They were designed by Sydney Naval architects One2Three and built by Incat Tasmania.”