Wikipedia

First Fleet-class ferry

The First Fleet class is a class of ferry operated by Transdev Sydney Ferries on Sydney Harbour.

First Fleet class
Scarborough in Pyrmont Bay in November 2017
Class overview
BuildersCarrington Slipways
Operators
Built1984–1986
Completed9
Active9
General characteristics
TypeCatamaran
Displacement83 tonnes
Length25.4 m (83 ft)
PropulsionMTU Series 60
Speed11 knots (20 km/h; 13 mph)
Capacity393

History

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In the early 1980s, the Urban Transit Authority ordered nine catamaran ferries from Carrington Slipways, Tomago. They were to replace the K-class and wooden Lady class ferries on Sydney Harbour. The new vessels were named after ships of the First Fleet and were delivered between 1984 and 1986. It was originally intended that they would operate services on the Parramatta River, but they generated too much wash.

In 2006/07, the class were repowered with MTU Series 60 engines.[1] As at November 2023, all nine remain in service with Transdev Sydney Ferries.[2]

Between 2020 and 2022, eight of the ferries underwent life extension rebuilds to extend their lives for a further 10 years. The work was undertaken by Birdon at Port Macquarie and included new engines, refurbished interiors, the provision of air conditioning and additional safety features. The first vessel completed was the Golden Grove in June 2020.[3][4]

 
Interior of lower floor of Non Refurbished First Fleet Ferry

Vessels

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Photo of Vessel Name Call sign MMSI Shipyard no Launched Status Namesake Reference Additional Information
  Supply 16496 503344800 163 10 December 1984 Active HMS Supply First vessel in service.
  Sirius 15622 503345700 164 20 August 1984 Active HMS Sirius First vessel launched. Had different handrails up until 2023 drydocking. One of 3 vessels surveyed to go to Manly.
  Alexander 15517 503344900 165 19 January 1985 Active Alexander [5][self-published source?] Only vessel to not receive a refit. Last vessel with wooden sponsons. Sponsons were replaced in 2024 docking at Balmain Shipyard
  Borrowdale 16852 503345100 166 4 February 1985 Active Borrowdale [6][self-published source?] Has a flattened bow unique to this vessel.
  Charlotte 17258 503345200 167 23 February 1985 Active Charlotte [7][self-published source?]
  Fishburn 15519 503345300 176 31 August 1985 Active Fishburn [8][self-published source?] One of 3 vessels surveyed to go to Manly.
  Friendship 17458 503345400 9 May 1986 Active Friendship [9][self-published source?] Last vessel in service.
  Golden Grove 16497 503345500 177 16th November 1985 Active Golden Grove [10][self-published source?] The pattern of windows that open is different on this vessel. First to receive refit. One of 3 vessels surveyed to go to Manly.
  Scarborough 16814 503345600 178 1 February 1986 Active Scarborough

References

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  1. ^ News in Brief Marine Business June 2007
  2. ^ First fleet class Transdev Sydney Ferries
  3. ^ Golden Grove Ferry Refurbishment Birdon 12 June 2020
  4. ^ Sydney ferries get a facelift at Port Macquarie to extend life just shy of 50 years ABC News 19 June 2020
  5. ^ Alexander Archived 14 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine Ferries of Sydney
  6. ^ Borrowdale Archived 14 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine Ferries of Sydney
  7. ^ Charlotte Archived 14 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine Ferries of Sydney
  8. ^ Fishburn Archived 14 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine Ferries of Sydney
  9. ^ Friendship Archived 14 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine Ferries of Sydney
  10. ^ Golden Grove Archived 14 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine Ferries of Sydney
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  Media related to First Fleet ferry class at Wikimedia Commons

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