Engineering:First Fleet-class ferry

Short description: Class of Sydney ferry

First Fleet class

Scarborough in Pyrmont Bay in November 2017
Class overview
Builders:	Carrington Slipways
Operators:	Urban Transit Authority State Transit Authority Sydney Ferries Transdev Sydney Ferries
Built:	1984–1986
Completed:	9
Active:	9
General characteristics
Type:	Catamaran
Displacement:	83 tonnes
Length:	25.4 m (83 ft)
Propulsion:	MTU Series 60
Speed:	11 knots (20 km/h; 13 mph)
Capacity:	393

The First Fleet class is a class of ferry operated by Transdev Sydney Ferries on Sydney Harbour.

History

In the early 1980s, the Urban Transit Authority ordered nine catamaran ferries from Carrington Slipways, Tomago. They were to replace the K-class and wooden Lady class ferries on Sydney Harbour. The new vessels were named after ships of the First Fleet and were delivered between 1984 and 1986. It was originally intended that they would operate services on the Parramatta River, but they generated too much wash.

In 2006/07, the class were repowered with MTU Series 60 engines. As at November 2023, all nine remain in service with Transdev Sydney Ferries.

Between 2020 and 2022, eight of the ferries underwent life extension rebuilds to extend their lives for a further 10 years. The work was undertaken by Birdon at Port Macquarie and included new engines, refurbished interiors, the provision of air conditioning and additional safety features. The first vessel completed was the Golden Grove in June 2020.

Vessels

Name	Call sign	MMSI	Shipyard no	Launched	Status	Namesake	Reference	Additional Information
Supply	16496	503344800	163	10 December 1984	Active	HMS Supply		First vessel in service.
Sirius	15622	503345700	164	20 August 1984	Active	HMS Sirius		First vessel launched. Had different handrails up until 2023 drydocking. One of 3 vessels surveyed to go to Manly.
Alexander	15517	503344900	165	19 January 1985	Active	Alexander		Only vessel to not receive a refit. Last vessel with wooden sponsons.
Borrowdale	16852	503345100		4 February 1985	Active	Borrowdale		Has a flattened bow unique to this vessel.
Charlotte	17258	503345200	167	23 February 1985	Active	Charlotte
Fishburn	15519	503345300	176	31 August 1985	Active	Fishburn		One of 3 vessels surveyed to go to Manly.
Friendship	17458	503345400		9 May 1986	Active	Friendship		Last vessel in service.
Golden Grove	16497	503345500	177	16th November 1985	Active	Golden Grove		The pattern of windows that open is different on this vessel. First to receive refit. One of 3 vessels surveyed to go to Manly.
Scarborough	16814	503345600	178	1 February 1986	Active	Scarborough