Transport Minister Rita Saffioti visited Dongara to see Transperth’s newest ferry as it sails towards the final stages of construction.
Local Western Australian company, Dongara Marine has built 80 per cent of the $2.6 million ferry at its Port Denison facility and is tracking towards a launch in the first few months of next year.
Once complete, the new vessel will be the newest ferry on the public transport network in a decade and will join the MV Shelley Taylor-Smith and the MV Phillip Pendal.
At 23.7 metres long and with a top speed of 16 knots, the next generation ferry is faster and longer than its two predecessors and will help maintain the busy route between South Perth and Elizabeth Quay.
The ferry’s capacity of 148 passengers will have more than the view to enjoy, with on-board toilets, a bike stowage area, wheelchair access and tinted windows all incorporated into the design.
After the new vessel is launched, all three ferries will be rotated through service with the older MV Shelley Taylor-Smith to be predominantly used as a reserve and during special events.
A competition to give WA residents the chance to name the new ferry will be launched in the next few months.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“The new locally made ferry is currently at 80 per cent completion and will be hitting WA’s waterways early next year.
“This is the newest ferry on the public transport network in over a decade and has been built right here in WA by local workers.
“I will be opening up a public naming competition in coming months so I encourage WA residents to start thinking about a suitable name for the new ferry.
“Unfortunately Boaty McBoatface and Ferry McFerryface won’t be accepted – so let’s get more creative and choose an exciting name for our new ferry.”
