Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
MENU
Skip Navigation LinksHome Legislative Assembly House Papers Question and Answer Tracking Details

Question and Answer Tracking Details

420 - ELECTRIC FERRIES

Greenwich, Alex to the Minister for Transport

(1) What is the Government’s plan to electrify ferries in Sydney?

(2) What reduced emissions are expected if ferries no longer operate on diesel?

(3) What evaluation has the Government carried out into jurisdictions introducing electric ferries, including Auckland and San Francisco?

(4) What consultation has the Government carried out with local manufacturers about transitioning to electric ferries?

(5) What plans does the Government have to ensure charging facilities are available at ferry wharves, particularly at Circular Quay?

(6) How will the Government ensure that all procurement for ferry services includes transition to electric vessels and infrastructure?

(7) What further action will the Government take to transition as quickly as possible to electric ferries in Sydney?
Answer -
ELECTRIC FERRIES

I am advised

(1) The Government supports the progressive transition of Sydney's ferries services to low or zero emissions technology. As part of this Transport for NSW plans to undertake a strategic review into reducing ferry emissions in late 2023. This review will include both vessel infrastructure electrification requirements, and the availability and location of other low emission fuel sources, including hydrogen.

(2) Transport for NSW has not yet undertaken this level of analysis. This will be considered as part of the strategic review into reducing ferry emissions.

(3) Transport for NSW is closely monitoring other jurisdictions and the continuing advancement of technology in the reduction of emissions and electrification of ferries.

(4) and (6) Transport for NSW has recently announced the procurement of seven new Parramatta River Class vessels which will use 40% less diesel and are capable of being transitioned to hybrid or electric propulsion over time.

(5) The strategic review into reducing ferry emissions will look at both vessel and infrastructure electrification requirements, and the availability and locations of other low emission fuel sources, including hydrogen.

 The Circular Quay Renewal project is currently in the design phase. The project is being coordinated with the strategic review of ferry emissions to ensure the project infrastructure permits future installation of electric charging infrastructure or other low or zero emission fuel sources.

(7) As part of Transport for NSW's strategic review into reducing ferry emissions, opportunities will be identified for the transition to lower and zero emission ferries, along with any associated infrastructure requirements.

Question asked on 31 May 2023 (session 58-1) and printed in Questions & Answers Paper No. 8
Answer received on 5 July 2023 and printed in Questions & Answers Paper No. 16

The Parliament of New South Wales acknowledges and respects the traditional lands of all Aboriginal people, and pays respects to all Elders past and present. We acknowledge the Gadigal people as the traditional custodians of the land on which the Parliament of New South Wales stands.