The Freshwater class is a class of ferry operating the Manly ferry service between Circular Quay and Manly on Sydney Harbour. The ferries are owned by the Government of New South Wales and operated by the franchisee Transdev Sydney Ferries under the government's Sydney Ferries brand.
Steelwork for Freshwater was laid down at the State Dockyard on 31 October 1980. Strike actions delayed completion until June 1982. The ferry terminals at Circular Quay and Manly were substantially modified to accommodate the larger ferries, including the installation of wide height-adjustable two-level hydraulic ramps. Additionally a new bus-interchange was built in the wharf forecourt at Manly.
There were plans to replace the Freshwater-class ferries with three new Emerald-class catamaran ferries in 2021. After the 2023 New South Wales state election it was announced by new Transport minister Jo Haylen that the new State Government intended to return as many of the 4 Freshwater Class Ferries to full time service as possible.
It was announced that the Collaroy may not return to service with her sisters due to difficulty obtaining parts for her. She was retired on September 27, 2023, with her future uncertain. It is rumoured that she may be used as a test bed for a conversion to electric, rather than diesel, although this has not been confirmed.
(Wikipedia)
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