Late last year Fullers360 announced it had reached a critical milestone in its decarbonisation journey with Auckland’s first electric hybrid fast ferry for the Hauraki Gulf ferry network. This first critical step in decarbonising Fullers360’s Auckland ferry fleet will reduce carbon emissions by 750,000kg per year on the Devonport route alone.
The new electric hybrid vessel is being completely built by Q-West and is set to support 30 jobs to the Whanganui region where boatbuilders Q-West are based. The vessel has been designed for safe, comfortable, and highly reliable commercial rapid transit ferry services. It will feature a world-leading electric-hybrid propulsion control system from HamiltonJet, allowing it to operate at higher speeds, with enhanced manoeuvrability all while using less energy and delivering greater operational resilience.
Q-West CEO, Colin Mitchell, says the team is excited to be part of a new era of marine transport and thrilled with the job opportunities it brings to the Whanganui region.
“We are proud to work with Fullers360 once again and to play a vital role in building New Zealand’s first electric hybrid ferry. Whanganui has been at the forefront of commercial aluminium boatbuilding for over sixty years, and it feels appropriate this electric hybrid ferry is built here.”
Fullers360 says this is the first step in a broader plan to replace its aging diesel fleet with electric vessels. Fullers360’s electric hybrid fast ferry is due to begin construction in April 2022 and is anticipated to be completed in 2023.
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