Auckland’s future ferries

We’re on a mission to give all Aucklanders transport options that make their journeys reliable, easier and safer. Our goal is to create a transport future that’s cleaner, quieter and more comfortable.

Ferries play an important role in Auckland’s transport network and offer travel choices. However, the average age of Auckland’s public transport ferries is 20 years old. This is impacting our ability to provide reliable and sustainable services. The aging diesel ferries also contribute 20% of Auckland’s public transport emissions while carrying only 6% of passengers.

A staged replacement of the ferry fleet is now underway.

The new ferries

Each new ferry added to our fleet will improve reliability, network resilience and service capabilities. They will have increased frequency and more sailings on key routes.

We’ve listened and responded to customer feedback to develop more modern and functional layouts and interiors. The new ferries will:

• be able to carry more passengers to meet growing demand
• be easier for people to get on and off and move around while on board
• have 24 to 28 spaces for prams, bicycles and scooters, depending on the layout.  

These ferries will be owned by Aucklanders for Auckland.

Passenger services will begin once vessel commissioning, sea trials, certifications and crew training are complete.

Electric ferries 

Two electric ferries are being built at the McMullen & Wing shipyard in Auckland. They have been designed by EV Maritime and use HamiltonJet propulsion technology.

• Speed: 23 to 25 knots
• Capacity: 200 passengers
• Includes: covered storage for up to 24 bikes
• Routes: short inner-harbour, longer mid-harbour 

The first ferry is expected to be handed over to AT in late 2025.

Electric-hybrid ferries

Two electric-hybrid ferries are being built at the Q-West boatbuilding yard in Whanganui. They have been designed by Incat Crowther and include HamiltonJet propulsion, energy storage systems and electrical integration. 

• Length: 32 metres
• Capacity: 300 passengers
• Includes: covered storage for up to 24 bikes
• Route: Devonport to Downtown 

The first ferry is expected to arrive in Auckland in late 2025 and the second in 2026.

Ferry terminal upgrades

We’re upgrading some of our ferry terminals to support our new ferries.

In mid-2025, we completed upgrades at the Half Moon Bay Ferry Terminal to provide a reliable and efficient charging system for the new electric ferries.

Work is currently underway at the Downtown Ferry Terminal.

How the ferries will charge

New charger buildings will house equipment that converts AC power from the local substation into DC power to charge the ferries. This is similar to how batteries in phones and laptops charge, but on a much bigger scale.

Underground electrical cables will run between the charger building and a charging point on the pontoon where the ferry docks. Plugs there will connect to the ferry to charge it while passengers are getting on and off. The charging speed will be approximately 10 times that of a high-speed car charger.  

Contact us

If you have any questions, please get in touch by emailing FutureFerries@at.govt.nz.