The River class is a ferry type operated by Transdev Sydney Ferries on Sydney Harbour.
In September 2017, Transport for NSW called for expressions of interest for four new ferries for Parramatta River ferry services.[1] However, after the bids were higher than expected, the project was shelved.[2]
Upon being awarded the contract to operate the Sydney Ferries concession in 2019, Transdev Sydney Ferries placed an order for 10 new ferries to be built in Indonesia.[3]
The first four arrived in Newcastle in August 2020 for final works and trials. The ferries were purchased to replace the SuperCat and HarbourCat-class Ferries.[4] [5] All were named after artists, athletes and authors.[6]
The first entered service in October 2021, confined to daytime service until deemed suitable for night time operations.[7]
In late 2022 the government announced it was looking for tenders to build a new fleet of Parramatta River-class ferries to replace the RiverCat-class ferries
A number of issues and defects on the ferries, totalling 43, delayed the service commencement dates by well over a year.
Identified issues and delays on the ferries included the presence of asbestos, sub-standard fit and finish, wheelhouse window angles making night operations dangerous, engine stalling, potential of fires or electrocution caused by sub standard electrical equipment and sub-standard steering components.[8] [9]
| Name | Call sign | MMSI | Shipyard number | Keel laid | Namesake | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ethel Turner | 457589 | 503106710 | H388 | 25 February 2020 | Ethel Turner | |
| Ruth Park | 457593 | 503106750 | H389 | 29 February 2020 | Ruth Park | |
| Cheryl Salisbury | 457597 | 503106690 | H390 | 23 March 2020 | Cheryl Salisbury | |
| Lauren Jackson | 458798 | 503106730 | H391 | 23 March 2020 | Lauren Jackson | |
| Liz Ellis | 457600 | 503106740 | H392 | 23 March 2020 | Liz Ellis | |
| Kurt Fearnley | 457594 | 503106720 | H393 | 23 March 2020 | Kurt Fearnley | |
| Olive Cotton | 457555 | 503100450 | H395 | 25 August 2019 | Olive Cotton | |
| Margaret Olley | 457590 | 503100470 | H396 | 25 August 2019 | Margaret Olley | |
| Esme Timbery | 457595 | 503100460 | H397 | 25 August 2019 | Esme Timbery | |
| Ruby Langford Ginibi | 457591 | 503100480 | H398 | 25 August 2019 | Ruby Langford Ginibi |