The latest additions to Auckland’s ferry fleet are delivering impressive efficiency gains
New Zealand’s first hybrid-electric fast ferry – a highly versatile, 32m-long, 299-passenger vessel designed by Incat Crowther – is scheduled to start work shortly on Auckland Harbour for Fullers360 after sea trials that exceeded expectations. A sister ship currently under construction at New Zealand’s Q-West shipyard will take the ferry operator’s low-emissions ambitions a step further.
“The commissioning process for the F360-300 is well underway,” the ferry operator’s chief commercial officer, Tim O’Halloran, said. “Electric vessels are the proven, most cost-effective and efficient fast ferries today. As such, we will continue to base our investment decisions on these technologies, given the cost advantages against traditional diesel propulsion.”
The ferry is being readied for service after out-performing in sea trials. According to Fullers360, Incat Crowther and builder Q-West, the ferry hit a top speed of 36 knots on all-electric power, although its working speed will be about 26 knots.
As is standard with Fullers360’s ferries, there will be a range of seating options, work tables, fold-up luggage compartments and ample viewing through floor-to-ceiling windows.
“Each item was meticulously weighed before installation”
Meanwhile, Fullers360, which runs the ferry service on behalf of Auckland Transport that also provides the shore power, is considering its next move in passenger ship technology. Having successfully commercialised two small VS9 electric-foiling vessels designed and built by Vessev, the operator is weighing how best to integrate into the fleet Vessev’s bigger VS18, an 18m-long 100-passenger foiling ferry that is currently under development, Mr. O’Halloran said.
Currently the VS9 is engaged for high-end tourism but the bigger version will be deployed “on larger-scale, daily, high-speed commuter transport”, according to Vessev. These boats also fit neatly into Fullers360’s ambitions because, said Vessev, foiling vessels are three to five times more efficient than diesel-fuelled boats, while also slashing operational costs.
Meantime, the new hybrid-electric ferry will be deployed from the outset on the most popular route across the harbour between Devonport and Auckland. Later though, it will handle a wide variety of routes up and down the Auckland coastline.
