Commuters could soon be travelling the Brisbane River on electric-powered ferries with the Schrinner council announcing plans to launch a clean cross-river service by 2027 if they retain power at the next election.
The proposed electric or hybrid vessel would service the popular Bulimba to Teneriffe route, which clocked more than 170,000 trips in 2023.
Brisbane is moving closer to electrifying its ferry fleet, with the Schrinner council announcing it will seek a tender to build an electric or hybrid vessel next financial year. Credit: Tony Moore
The first “clean, green-powered ferry” for Brisbane would feature solar panels on the roof and have the capacity to ferry about 80 passengers on board.
“We’re improving public transport to make it more reliable, more sustainable, and even easier for you to leave the car at home,” Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said.
“Whether it’s the fully electric Brisbane Metro or new electric ferries, we’re working to improve public transport and use the latest technology to keep Brisbane heading in the right direction.”
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Council said it has approval to go to tender for construction of the vessel next financial year, with hopes to launch the service in the 2026-27 financial year.
The tender will seek someone to deliver a vessel that can be battery-powered or hybrid; catamaran-style; operated by two crew; and carry about 80 passengers with both seated and standing room.
In June 2023, Brisbane City Council allocated $435,000 from its budget over 12 months to assess the viability of new battery-powered ferries.