The second new Australian-built Parramatta River Class ferry – named John Nutt – has sailed from Tasmania towards the sails of the Opera House, arriving in the Sydney Harbour today.
John Nutt has completed her maiden landing at the Man O’War steps this morning following a successful three-day voyage across Bass Strait.
Making a beeline for the Opera House was a fitting entrance, as the ferry’s namesake is unveiled to be Dr John Nutt, known for his lead role in the construction of the world-famous landmark.
The vessel will now be handed over to operator Transdev for final checks to ensure she’s in ship-shape, before the first passengers board in July.
John Nutt will predominantly run in the calm river conditions of the F3 route, between Parramatta, Sydney Olympic Park and Circular Quay.
“This classic green and cream ferry, made in Australia, will serve the Parramatta for years to come,” Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said.
“It’s the second of our Parramatta River class vessels which are more fuel efficient than the vessels they replace.”
From July 1, an extra seven ferry services will be added to the F3 between Circular Quay and Sydney Olympic Park every weekday. This comes on top of the seven additional services on weekdays and 26 on weekends announced in January this year for the F3 route.
The ferry is second of seven new Northern Beaches-designed vessels being built by Hobart-based shipbuilder Richardson Devine Marine. The first vessel in the fleet, Frances Bodkin, has been in service since April.
A team of 60 people are working to build the remaining five, which are expected to progressively enter passenger service over the course of the next 18 months.
Honouring pioneering Australians in science and innovation, the NSW Government has revealed the names of the other ferries to be the Isobel Bennett, the Martin Green, the Ruby Payne-Scott, the Norman Selfe and the Jack Mundey.
The seven new vessels will replace the RiverCat and SuperCat vessels which will be retired after 30 years of service.
“These new ferries, and the more frequent timetable on the popular F3 route are a big win for anyone catching the ferry to work, school or events around Sydney,” State Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said.
“The population right across the Sydney Olympic Park precinct is growing, and we need more public transport services to meet demand.
“We’re meeting that demand with more ferry services, and in the future, with the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 extension that received funding from the Minns Labor Government in the most recent budget.”
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.