The Government of Western Australia has awarded a A$66m (US$44m) contract to Henderson-based Echo Marine Group to design and construct the state’s first electric ferry fleet, marking a major step in the expansion of ferry services on the Swan River.
The contract covers five fully electric, low-wake ferries for the MetroNet on Swan Ferry Service Expansion project. Construction is expected to begin in coming weeks, with services scheduled to commence in late 2027.
Each vessel will be fully accessible and designed to carry around 140 passengers at speeds of up to 25kts. Onboard features will include passenger toilets, bicycle storage and external seating. The ferries will be designed to operate quietly and with reduced wake to minimize environmental impact along the river, the WA government says.
Development approval has recently been secured for two new ferry terminals at Applecross and Matilda Bay, which form part of what the government says will be the largest expansion of Perth’s ferry network to date. Early tender advice has also been issued for terminal construction, with a formal tender expected in early 2026.
The project will introduce electric ferries to Western Australia for the first time, following similar deployments in other Australian states and overseas. The government says the vessels will provide a cleaner and more energy-efficient alternative to conventional diesel ferries.
Transport minister Rita Saffioti said the contract award was a milestone for both public transportation and local manufacturing: “These locally made, electric ferries will expand public transport options for Western Australians and provide a high-quality experience for passengers. The state government is very proud to be supporting local capability in vessel manufacturing through this project.”
Echo Marine Group is expected to employ around 130 staff on the project, including apprentices.
Federal Infrastructure minister Catherine King said the investment would strengthen river-based transportation in Perth. “An expanded ferry network needs more ferries, and WA has a proven record of building quality vessels,” she said. “That’s why we’re pleased these new electric ferries will be designed and built in Western Australia.”
Once operational, the expanded ferry network is expected to provide an alternative to road travel while improving connectivity along the Swan River.
In related news, South Korea launches first state-owned all-electric ferry