Freshwater ferries return to Sydney Harbour in NSW Government backflip

The ferries run the Circular Quay to Manly route, and are a favourite among tourists and locals, but the daily services were scrapped in favour of smaller, Chinese-built Emerald-class vessels.

From early September, two Freshwater-class ferries - the MV Collaroy and MV Freshwater - will be back in service, with a service every two hours, seven-days-a-week.

For the past few months, two Freshwater ferries had been operating on weekends and public holidays only.

Manly MP James Griffin said having the larger Freshwater ferries operating alongside the faster Emerald vessels, is the right balance and a "great outcome" for Sydney.

"I have long advocated for a hybrid approach and I am glad it has been delivered," he said.

"There is a huge amount of local passion for the Freshwater ferries, and having them back in service on weekdays gives commuters and visitors more opportunities to experience the beautiful harbour from one of these iconic ferries."

Northern Beaches Council deputy mayor Candy Bingham said "it's a good start", but she'll continue to fight for the two other Freshwater vessels - the MV Queenscliff and MV Narrabeen - to be returned to service as well.

The Emeralds have been plagued by safety and operational issues since they were quietly rolled out by the NSW Government in October 2021.

IN OTHER NEWS

"The Emerald class are not fit for purpose," Cr Bingham said. "They're out of service more than they're in service."

Cr Bingham is pushing for a five-year plan for the ferries on this route, and said all four Freshwaters should remain in service for this period while the NSW Government works toward "fully electric Freshwater-style ferries".

While slower, the Freshwaters can carry about 1100 passengers, compared with the 400-capacity Emerald-class.

The MV Queenscliff will be re-introduced to service next year to replace the MV Collaroy.

Transport for NSW chief operations officer Howard Collins said "a plan for the retirement and disposal of the MV Collaroy and MV Narrabeen is currently in development, including community consultation for potential repurposing of the vessels".

Emerald class ferries will continue to operate on their existing timetables.