A small passenger ferry designed to cruise a calm river has arrived in Sydney after successfully braving the challenging Bass Strait.
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The second new Australian-built Parramatta River-class ferry, called John Nutt, completed its maiden voyage from Hobart at Man O'War Steps next to the Sydney Opera House.
It covered a total of 630 nautical miles, stopping at Flinders Island and Eden on its way to Sydney with a crew of four on board.
The Opera House was an apt location to finish the journey: Dr John Nutt was known for his lead role in the construction of the world-famous landmark.
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The vessel will now be handed over to operator Transdev for final checks to ensure it's ship-shape, before the first passengers board in July.
John Nutt will predominantly ply the calm F3 route between Parramatta, Sydney Olympic Park and Circular Quay.
From July 1, an extra seven ferry services will be added to the F3 between Circular Quay and Sydney Olympic Park every weekday.
The ferry is second of seven new Northern Beaches-designed vessels being built by Hobart-based Richardson Devine Marine.
The first vessel in the fleet, Frances Bodkin, has been in service since April. It followed the same route as John Nutt.
The seas for both journeys were good, with the second voyage reportedly being even milder.
A team of 60 people is working to build the remaining five, which are expected to progressively enter passenger service over the course of the next 18 months.
Their names honour pioneering Australians in science and innovation.
In addition to Frances Bodkin and John Nutt, Sydneysiders will be able to enjoy journeys on:
- Isobel Bennett
- Martin Green
- Ruby Payne-Scott
- Norman Selfe
- Jack Mundey
The ferries will be a significant improvement compared to their predecessors, which contained asbestos, exploding engines and dangerous visibility issues for crews.
The fleet is more reliable and comfortable, with upgraded safety systems, greater accessibility and sleeker design.
The seven new vessels will replace the RiverCat and SuperCat vessels, which will be retired after 30 years of service.
Transport Minister Jo Haylen said the ferries are more fuel efficient than the vessels they replace.
"Plus the panoramic windows will give every passenger an excellent view of the John Nutt-engineered Opera House as they pull into Circular Quay," she said.
