Electric ferry for Auckland

Fullers360 aims to have a high-speed plug-in electric hybrid ferry ready in 2023 for Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf ferry network.

It’s expected to help reduce carbon emissions by 750,000kg annually on the Devonport route alone and can transport 300 passengers between there and downtown Auckland, with capacity to travel to other destinations as needed.

Designed by Incat Crowther, the vessel is a modular metro-level with overflow to the upper deck optimised to be up to 100% electric on the Devonport route.

The ferry will continue to carry diesel as a range extender on longer routes until charging infrastructure is widely installed.

Fullers360 chief executive Mike Horne says the business recognises the compounding contribution traditional transport modes, such as diesel vehicles, make to New Zealand’s carbon emissions.

“Our vision is to provide New Zealand with the opportunity to build and operate the world’s first large-scale fast ferry fleet, supported by a fleet of hydrogen-ready electric vessels,” he says.

“The move to green ferry technology is a significant milestone in realising our long-held vision and commitment to delivering sustainable marine transport for Auckland and other regions.”

The new electric hybrid vessel is being built by Q-West in Whanganui, construction starting in April 2022.

Fullers360 says it will feature a world-leading electric-hybrid propulsion control system from HamiltonJet, allowing it to operate at higher speeds with enhanced manoeuvrability all while using less energy and delivering greater operational resilience.

An ambition to grow a larger sustainable ferry network was set out in Fullers360’s Gulf2025 strategy in 2018, providing the catalyst for research and development for electric ferries into which the company has invested more than $1 million in the design and feasibility of sustainable ferry technology.

The research and design phase of the project has led to broad cross sector collaboration, including with industry experts EV Maritime.

Horne says the transition to green ferry technology will have multiple environmental, social, and economic benefits, adding this pivotal new era for the marine industry proves low emission vessels is now a commercial reality.

“We are working and collaborating with passionate partners to combine ferry technology with environmental sustainability to reduce carbon emissions, provide world-class tourism and commuter services, and support the economic recovery for New Zealand.”

Q-West chief executive Colin Mitchell says they’re proud to work with Fullers360 again and to play a vital role in building New Zealand’s first electric hybrid ferry.

“Whanganui has been at the forefront of commercial aluminium boatbuilding for over 60 years, and it feels appropriate this electric hybrid ferry is built here.”

Fullers360 has been working closely with Auckland Transport during the past year on the alignment of vessel specifications across the whole of the Auckland ferry fleet and in identifying infrastructure requirements.

Auckland Transport ferry services manager Gareth Willis says the introduction of an electric hybrid ferry aligns with AT’s requirement to significantly reduce transport emissions across all public transport services.

He says it will join a range of other leading initiatives that include New Zealand’s first hydrogen bus trial and the recent placement of Australasia’s biggest electric bus order through contract with the operator NZ Bus and increases to the electric train fleet.

Incat Crowther technical manager Dan Mace says the potential to bolster electric operation with hybrid power enables the PHEV ferry’s range to be extended for longer routes.”

Green ferry technology also offers economic benefits in significantly reducing operating and maintenance costs compared with traditional diesel vessels.

Meanwhile, New Zealand’s first electric ferry is Wellington’s East by West Ferries’ Ika Rere (flying fish), to be officially launched on December 16 and scheduled to enter service in the New Year.

You can read more about the growth in electric boats here in the December EVs and Beyond magazine due out soon.