Auckland’s EV Maritime appointed to WA’s first electric ferry fleet

Auckland-based clean-tech engineering firm EV Maritime has been appointed as electric propulsion systems integrator for Western Australia’s first battery-electric ferry fleet, marking a significant international milestone for the New Zealand company.

Echo Marine Group, a Western Australian shipbuilder, has selected EV Maritime to lead electrical systems integration for five new 24-metre battery-electric fast ferries being constructed for the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia (PTA). The fleet forms part of the METRONET on Swan River Ferry Service Expansion — the largest-ever expansion of Perth’s ferry network.

Echo Marine Group was awarded the A$66 million contract by the Western Australian Government to design and construct the vessels. Naval architecture is being handled by Sydney-based One2three Naval Architects.

EV Maritime’s scope covers electrical engineering, power conversion panels, integrated vessel management and power management systems, a data intelligence platform, and mechanical systems engineering to support the electrical systems.

Each vessel will carry up to 100 passengers, operate at a maximum speed of 25 knots, feature a low-wake hull form, and be constructed from aluminium.

Building on Auckland success

The Perth project builds directly on EV Maritime’s work for Auckland Transport, for which the company designed, engineered, and integrated two “EVM200” 24-metre electric passenger ferries — among the fastest fully electric ferries in the world. Those carbon fibre vessels each carry up to 200 passengers.

The Swan River project, however, represents a strategic shift for the company. The PTA’s requirements called for a fully custom vessel design rather than EV Maritime’s standardised platform, leading the firm to step back from vessel design entirely and focus solely on engineering and systems integration.

In a statement, EV Maritime chairman Damian Camp said the project demonstrated the broader reach of the company’s approach. “EV Maritime has always focused on standardization as a pathway to accelerate the electric transition. The Swan River demanded a custom low air draft vessel but when paired with our standard driveline system, we can now support naval architects and deliver high-confidence electric vessels worldwide.”

Next-generation propulsion platform

At the core of EV Maritime’s supply is a next-generation electric power and propulsion package that draws on the performance credentials of the EVM200 platform while introducing new developments in weight, space efficiency, and installation simplicity.

Chief electrical engineer Shawn Balding says the new platform represents a meaningful step forward. “Our first vessels set a new standard for capacity, performance and range for electric commuter ferries. But EV Maritime’s next generation electric driveline and automation platform is a significant step up from there again, delivering higher performance, in shorter timeframes, for less cost and simpler installation. This will materially reduce barriers to electrification and accelerate the energy transition in our sector.”

EV Maritime founder and chief executive Michael Eaglen says the appointment reflects the company’s growing international profile. “We are delighted to announce EV Maritime’s key role in delivering another landmark maritime electrification project. We’re grateful to Echo Marine Group for trusting EV Maritime to deliver the integration package which underpins the capability of these vessels.”

Eaglen says the significance of the project extends beyond the immediate contract. “This project is immensely significant, both locally and internationally. We commend PTA for their bold vision and commitment to transport decarbonization. We are proud that EV Maritime has been chosen to deliver on this.”

Echo Marine Group project manager Anthony Livanos says EV Maritime’s direct experience with comparable vessels was a key factor in the selection. “EV Maritime not only brings expertise in high-voltage marine systems, they also have extensive understanding of the challenges of designing and building high-performance electric vessels – essential to de-risk and successfully execute this project.”

“EV Maritime has proven themselves capable, with some very impressive first boats that are directly relevant to our project. They bring first-hand knowledge of the many challenges of deploying these new technologies, which gives Echo Marine Group, and the Public Transport Authority, real