The second new Australian-built Parramatta River Class ferry, named John Nutt, has sailed towards the sails of the Opera House – marking a stunning arrival into Sydney Harbour from Tasmania to prepare to welcome passengers.
John Nutt completed her maiden landing at the Man O’War steps this morning following a successful 3 day voyage across Bass Strait.
Making a beeline for the Opera House was a fitting entrance, as the ferry’s namesake is unveiled as Dr John Nutt, known for his lead role in the construction of the world-famous landmark.
The vessel will now be handed over to operator Transdev for final checks to ensure she’s in ship-shape, before the first passengers board in July.
John Nutt will predominantly run in the calm river conditions of the F3 route, between Parramatta, Sydney Olympic Park and Circular Quay.
From July 1, an extra seven ferry services will be added to the F3 between Circular Quay and Sydney Olympic Park every weekday. This comes on top of the seven additional services on weekdays and 26 on weekends announced in January this year for the F3 route.
The ferry is second of seven new Northern Beaches-designed vessels being built by Hobart-based shipbuilder Richardson Devine Marine. The first vessel in the fleet, Frances Bodkin, has been in service since April.
A team of 60 people is working to build the remaining five, which are expected to progressively enter passenger service over the course of the next 18 months.
Their names can now be revealed, honouring pioneering Australians in science and innovation. In addition to the Frances Bodkin and John Nutt, Sydneysiders will be able to enjoy journeys on:
- The Isobel Bennett
- The Martin Green
- The Ruby Payne-Scott
- The Norman Selfe
- The Jack Mundey
These ferries will be a significant improvement compared to those procured by the former government that contained asbestos, exploding engines and dangerous visibility issues for crews.
The Australian-made fleet is more reliable and comfortable, with upgraded safety systems, greater accessibility and sleeker design.
The seven new vessels will replace the RiverCat and SuperCat vessels which will be retired after 30 years of service.
The Minns Labor Government is committed to building the state’s domestic manufacturing capacity. A local domestic manufacturing industry is essential both for the future of jobs in NSW and our ability to deliver the safe and reliable public transport our state needs to grow.
A plan to build a better NSW.
Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:
“John Nutt was the engineer behind one of Sydney’s most famous landmarks, now we’re honouring him with another.
“This classic green and cream ferry, made in Australia, will serve the Parramatta for years to come.
“It’s the second of our Parramatta River class vessels which are more fuel efficient than the vessels they replace.
“Plus the panoramic windows will give every passenger an excellent view of the John Nutt engineered Opera House as they pull into Circular Quay.”
Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:
“These new ferries, and the more frequent timetable on the popular F3 route are a big win for anyone catching the ferry to work, school or events around Sydney.
“The population right across the Sydney Olympic Park precinct is growing, and we need more public transport services to meet demand.
“We’re meeting that demand with more ferry services, and in the future, with the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 extension that received funding from the Minns Labor Government in the most recent budget.”
