Kiwis Claim Southern Hemisphere's First Electric Ferry

First fully electric, high-speed passenger ferry launches in Wellington, New Zealand

What is claimed to be the first fully electric, high speed passenger ferry in the Southern hemisphere has been officially launched in Wellington, New Zealand.

Following sea trials, Ika Rere

was in the final stage of gaining its survey certificate from Maritime New Zealand. The ferry will then enter operator East by West’s commissioning process while periodically being used on some public sailings.

Ika Rere is expected to enter fully into service before the end of March 2022, transporting passengers across Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington Harbour) from Wellington’s CBD to Days Bay and Matiu/Somes Island.

Constructed by the Wellington Electric Boat Building Company (WEBBCo), the 19m catamaran is powered by Meridian Energy for Metlink public transport services and owned and operated by East by West Ferries.

The zero emissions ferry will join the electric vehicle fleet of Metlink, the public transport wing of the Greater Wellington Regional Council.

East by West managing director Jeremy Ward said the ferry had energised his company’s vision of Wellington as a sustainable, smart city.

“Complementing our goal of using Wellington’s harbour-based geography to reduce transport emissions, Ika Rere will also deliver a comfortable and reliable service for passengers.

“Her electric power unit is quieter and smoother with fewer moving parts than a diesel engine. That means less maintenance and less disruption to the sailing schedule.”

Built from carbon fibre, the ferry can transport up to 132 passengers at a speed of 20kt. East by West’s existing diesel-powered vessels are slower and carry a third fewer passengers.

“Our two other diesel ferries use about 250,000 litres of fuel a year between them, it’s not sustainable for the planet and I knew electrification was the answer. I was surprised to discover we were the first in New Zealand to be doing it, but we didn’t let that hold us back,” Ward said.

Work on the ferry began in 2018, with the ambitious project originally scheduled to launch in mid-2020. Like many complex infrastructure projects, COVID’s impact was felt but the team continued on.

“We are the first in the southern hemisphere to have taken a vessel of this kind off the drawing boards, and onto the water,” said WEBBCo Managing Director Fraser Foote, whose company was first formed to build the ferry.

“Our collaborative approach with a team of leading NZ maritime experts alongside our experienced in-house build team was key to this, and we’re extremely proud of what we’ve achieved together.”

Composites company Gurit was brought in to develop a composite solution which offered not only structural integrity, but also manufacturing efficiencies.

“Our local team of engineers and technicians are excited to see the innovations of the whole build and design team come to life,” said Tony Stanton, Head of Engineering and Gurit Asia Pacific.

“This may be a first for New Zealand, but it certainly won’t be the only one. We see great potential for commercially operated electric vessels throughout New Zealand waterways.”

New Zealand-based SSC Marine provided the naval architecture and design coordination necessary to ensure regulation compliance and that all areas of performance were considered in the hull design.

“This is a huge achievement by all involved. The ground-breaking and complex requirements of this project was not easy to execute; but the result is outstanding, and we’re pleased to say she floated precisely on her marks,” said naval architect and SSC Marine Director Christian Stimson.

New Zealand electrotechnology company McKay provided the electrical scope, including the electrical engineering, electric propulsion, and energy storage.

“It is great to see New Zealand companies come together to deliver such a revolutionary first for the Southern Hemisphere. The talent of the companies involved have enabled this project to be a success,” commented McKay’s Managing Director, Lindsay Faithfull.

Greater Wellington chair Daran Ponter said Ika Rere would empower customers to choose a renewable method of commuting between Eastbourne and the city.

“It’s wonderful to have a homegrown, sustainable public transport option alongside our electric buses. Ika Rere is driving Wellington’s journey to carbon neutrality.”