The Parramatta River Class ferry at its Hobart shipyard. Photo: Richardson Devine Marine
The latest Parramatta River Class ferry has arrived in Sydney Harbour after a three-day trip up from Hobart.
The Martin Green is the fourth of seven Parramatta ferries being built by ship builder Richardson Devine Marine.
The vessel’s namesake is University of NSW global solar technology pioneer, Professor Martin Green.
The ferry covered its 630 nautical mile journey in three days, stopping at Flinders Island then at Eden to refuel with a crew of four onboard.
The Martin Green will mainly sail between Parramatta and Circular Quay.
NSW Premier Chris Minns says passengers will be able to use the ferry “soon”.
“These are state-of-the-art vessels, designed in Sydney and made in Australia,” he said.
Transport Minister Jo Haylen says it will be weeks before the Martin Green is working.
“It is fitting that this vessel is named after solar pioneer Martin Green. This ferry has arrived ready to be converted to electric operation in the coming years, so one day, the Martin Green could be charged at a wharf using the very solar cell technology that Prof. Green played such a key role in developing.”
The professor says he never imagined a ferry would be named after him.
“The Sydney to Parramatta route is one of my favourite ferry journeys. I am thrilled to see a vessel bearing my name traverse this route daily,” he said.
Prof. Green is Scientia Professor at UNSW Sydney and Director of the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics.
He pioneered solar technology development in Australia and is often described as “the father of modern photovoltaics”.
The new vessels are replacing the RiverCat and SuperCat vessels which are retiring after 30 years.
Each new Parramatta ferry can carry 200 people while using 40 per cent less diesel.
The next ferry is due for delivery by April.
