The first ferry in the new Parramatta River Class fleet has been named, with Transport for NSW revealing the Frances Bodkin is commencing builder sea trials in Tasmania.
Sea trials will test the vessel in open water with the weight of a standard load of passengers, assessing her operational performance before she sets sail for Sydney Harbour in the coming weeks.
Crew from Sydney Ferries will be on hand as the Frances Bodkin is put through her paces on Hobart’s Derwent River.
The seven new vessels in the Australian-made fleet have all been named in honour of Australians who have made significant achievements in the fields of science, environment, and innovation.
Australian botanist, educator and D’harawal Elder Frances Bodkin has dedicated much of her life to studying the natural environment, and sharing Indigenous culture and knowledge through her publications and work in education.
“Naming Sydney’s iconic ferries is a great opportunity to put the spotlight on some incredible Australians who have made an important contribution to our nation,” Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said.
“Frances Bodkin is an accomplished scientist, a prolific author and a valued D’harawal knowledge holder, and it will be fantastic to see her work recognised as her namesake sails the harbour for years to come.”
While Frances Bodkin is undergoing testing, another ferry is commencing the final stages of the build process now and is due to commence sea trials in May.
NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen said she’s looking forward to seeing the Australian-made fleet come into service this year.
“It’s exciting to see the first ferry in our new Parramatta River Class fleet enter the water for testing, bringing it one step closer to operation,” she added.
“This new ferry fleet will move passengers from the Quay to Parramatta’s new Powerhouse precinct, so it’s fitting that their names will pay tribute to trailblazers in science and innovation.”
The Northern Beaches-designed vessels have a 200-person capacity and will predominantly run on the F3 Parramatta River route, between Parramatta and Circular Quay.
The NSW Government said the vessels are also “future-proofed” for conversion to electric propulsion when the technology and network infrastructure are ready.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.