Date: 27 May 2026

After months of rigorous testing and sea trials, Auckland’s first plug-in electric-hybrid fast ferry is one step closer to entering service, with stakeholders, dignitaries, and local politicians becoming its first passengers this morning. 

Owned by Auckland Transport (AT) and operated by Fullers360, the electric-hybrid ferry is the next step in our Mission Electric plan to reduce emissions in our public transport fleet. The ferry is one of two that will soon begin operating between Devonport and Downtown Auckland. The ferries, worth around $20 million each, were 49% funded by Auckland Council, including support from the Climate Action Transport Targeted Rate, and 51% by NZTA. 

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says the new ferries will be a welcome addition.

“Commuters and visitors alike will welcome a new, modern, quiet hybrid ferry on this essential link between Devonport and Downtown Auckland,” says Mayor Brown.

“Auckland has an aging ferry fleet meaning breakdowns, cancellations, frustrated customers and more cars on the road, so replacing the fleet with brand new vessels is an important part of giving customers confidence in our fleet network.”

The first electric-hybrid ferry, named Waitematā 1 (gifted by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei), is expected to enter service sometime in June, with the second electric-hybrid set to arrive in Auckland in the second half of this year.

“The electric hybrid ferries will be a fantastic asset for our city and support our commitment to reduce transport emissions over time and improve the resilience of our public transport network,” says Stacey van der Putten, AT Chief Executive.

“The first vessel has performed well during sea trials and performance of the electric propulsion and onboard systems have consistently met expectations. We’re excited to welcome onboard our first public transport customers to the new vessel next month”.

Waitematā 1 can carry up to 300 passengers and has been designed for safe, comfortable, and highly reliable commercial rapid transit ferry services.  

It offers passengers a range of seating options, including tables and USB ports for those that need to work on their commute, fold-up luggage compartments and floor-to-ceiling windows.  

“Delivering Waitematā 1 for Auckland has been a landmark project for our people as we help roll out the future of ferry travel,” says Fullers360 CEO Mike Horne.

“In recent months, our crews, engineers, and operational teams have tested the electric-hybrid ferry across real routes and harbour conditions. This hands-on validation is critical.

“New technology succeeds when the crew who operate it every day trust it, understand it, and believe in its performance, and our team couldn’t be more excited about bringing this vessel into service.

“From the outset, Fullers360 has helped shape the next generation of ferries, co-designing vessels grounded in operational reality and customer needs. The result is a smoother, quieter ferry that is built to serve Auckland for decades.

“Working in partnership with Auckland Transport, Fullers360 has turned decarbonisation ambition into an operational ferry, leading procurement and project management and ensuring the vessel would perform on Auckland’s harbour, not just on paper.

“Fullers360 testing shows this ferry can deliver energy costs around 70–75% lower than an equivalent diesel vessel when operating electrically. On the Devonport route, with charging infrastructure in place, replacing one equivalent diesel ferry with an electric-hybrid could cut diesel use by 790,000 litres a year and reduce CO2-e emissions by 2,500 tonnes annually,” says Horne.

So how does the electric-hybrid ferry propulsion work? 

The propulsion system is similar to a plug-in hybrid car, utilising onboard batteries for short to medium journeys supported by an internal diesel generator for longer trips and importantly resilience.

The first fast ferry charger installed at Half Moon Bay has been used to test and commission each new ferry as they arrive. Additional charging is under construction at Downtown Ferry Terminal and will be completed in stages over the next 12-months. Downtown charging is important to operate AT’s services fully electric.

How will the ferry operate while Downtown charging is under construction? 

The benefit of an electric-hybrid ferry is that it is designed to operate on both diesel and electricity. The ferry will commence operation utilising the internal generator and switch to electricity as the new charging comes online.

As Devonport is short and direct route, charging is only required at the city centre end and with two electric-hybrid ferries the service can operate 100% electric under normal operation.

-ENDS-

Notes to editors:

The two electric-hybrid ferries were built by Q-West boatbuilders in Whanganui, where the second vessel is currently completion construction. They have been designed by Incat Crowther and include HamiltonJet propulsion, energy storage systems and electrical integration.   

• Length: 32 metres  

• Capacity: 300 passengers  

• Crew: 3  

• Route: Devonport to Downtown Auckland  

• Covered storage for up to 28 bikes  

• Construction: marine grade aluminium   

• Speeds: 28 knots – service / 36 knots – maximum  

• Cost $20M (Funded by around 49% from Auckland Council, including support from the Climate Action Transport Targeted Rate, and 51% NZTA)  
• The ferries will be operated on passenger services by Fullers360, who have been closely involved from the start of the project