Auckland’s future ferries

Auckland Transport’s mission is to create a transport future that’s cleaner, quieter and more comfortable for all. 

Ferries represent 20% of Auckland’s public transport emissions but carry only 6% of passengers. Auckland’s ferries currently burn up to 13 million litres of diesel per year, generating the equivalent of 34,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide tailpipe emissions. We are transitioning away from diesel-powered ferries to electric and electric-hybrid ferries, which will greatly reduce these emissions.

Our first new ferries will be powered by locally generated electricity, helping to reduce fuel consumption by 1.5 million litres annually and carbon dioxide emissions by 4,000 metric tons annually.

The new ferries

Each new vessel added to our fleet will improve reliability, network resilience and service capabilities, with increased frequency and more sailings on key routes. We’ve taken customer feedback on board to develop modern, functional layouts and interiors.

The new ferries will have:

• increased passenger capacity to meet growing demand
• improved accessibility for boarding, debarking and moving around the vessel
• 24 to 28 spaces for prams, bicycles and scooters, depending on vessel layout.  

These ferries will be owned by Aucklanders for Auckland.

Electric ferries 

Two fast ferries are being built at the McMullen & Wing shipyard in Auckland. Designed by EV Maritime, these fully electric ferries 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

To offset the weight of batteries and other electrical systems on board, the fast ferries are made from carbon-fibre composite, which is much lighter than aluminium. Lighter vessels can operate with greater efficiency and range, as composite hulls displace less water and last longer. 

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

Electric-hybrid ferries

Two electric-hybrid passenger vessels are being built at the Q-West boatbuilding yard in Whanganui. Designed by Incat Crowther, both 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

Fullers360 is involved in managing the build on behalf of AT and will operate these ferries. 

The first of these vessels is expected to arrive in 2025 and the second in 2026. Passenger services will begin once vessel commissioning, sea trials, certifications and crew training are complete. 

Ferry terminal upgrades

Some ferry terminal pontoons will be upgraded to accommodate our new larger ferries, and new charging facilities will be built at Half Moon Bay, Downtown Ferry Terminal and Hobsonville Point. We will install charging infrastructure using a staged approach, starting at Half Moon Bay in late 2024.

How the ferries will charge

New charger buildings will be built at Half Moon Bay, Downtown Ferry Terminal and Hobsonville Point. Building equipment will convert AC power from the local substation into DC power to charge the ferries, 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.