New e-ferry service suggested

A new electric ferry service is proposed in Auckland, this one suggested by Sea Waiheke to run between a floating barge at Orakei Landing and Waiheke Island’s Kennedy Point.

It is expected to carry about 35 vehicles and 150 passengers on up to about 12 trips daily and would have EV and e-bike charging facilities.

Designed by Sea Transport Solutions, the new drive-on one end and drive-off the other e-ferry could take about nine months to construct and Sea Waiheke is reportedly aiming to tender for a builder this year.

Sea Waiheke eventually wants two e-ferries and an hourly service, running from about an 80-metre pontoon at the southwest edge of the Orakei Marina and hopes to include its proposal in Auckland Council/Orakei Local Board plans to redevelop The Landing site.

Fullers360 aim to have a hybrid e-ferry ready next year starting with the Devonport-Auckland run and there’s talk of other e-ferry services operating as well.

EVs and Beyond outlined some of the e-boats (including e-ferries) launched or coming in its January magazine.