Contract awarded to manufacture WA's first electric ferry fleet

A $66 million contract has been awarded to Henderson-based shipbuilding company, Echo Marine Group, to design and construct five new electric ferries as part of the METRONET on Swan Ferry Expansion project.

The contract will deliver Western Australia's first electric ferry fleet, with five modern, fully accessible vessels designed to improve connections across the Swan River.

The Western Australian Planning Commission recently granted development approval for two new ferry terminals at Matilda Bay and Applecross, the first to be delivered as part of a landmark expansion of Perth's ferry network.

Each ferry will feature passenger toilet facilities, bike storage and external seating for passengers, providing a high-quality, accessible experience for commuters and recreational users.

The new ferries will be designed to produce a low wake, have a carrying capacity of approximately 140 passengers and a maximum operating speed of 25 knots.

The contract award follows a Request for Tender issued earlier this year inviting vessel manufacturers to submit for a tender as part of plans for a future expanded ferry service on the Swan River.

Construction is expected to commence in coming weeks with the new ferry services expected to start in late 2027.

Around 130 Echo Marine employees, including apprentices, expected to work on the construction of the vessels.

Electric ferries have been successfully deployed interstate and overseas, providing a cleaner, quieter, and more cost-effective transport solution, and their introduction represents a significant milestone for WA's public transport network.

Early tender advice has been issued on the design and construction of the two ferry terminals with a formal tender to be released in early 2026.