First Fleet-class ferry facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
First Fleet class

Golden Grove in October 2006
Class overview
Builders:	Carrington Slipways
Operators:	Sydney Ferries Transdev Sydney Ferries
Built:	1984–1986
Completed:	9
Active:	9
General characteristics
Type	Catamaran
Displacement	83 tonnes
Length	25.4 m (83 ft)
Propulsion	MTU Series 60
Speed	11 knots (20 km/h; 13 mph)
Capacity	393

The First Fleet class is a class of ferry operated by Transdev Sydney Ferries on Sydney Harbour.

History

In the early 1980s, the Urban Transit Authority ordered nine catamaran ferries from Carrington Slipways, Tomago. They were to replace the K-class and wooden Lady class ferries on Sydney Harbour. The new vessels were named after ships of the First Fleet and were delivered between 1984 and 1986. It was originally intended that they would operate services on the Parramatta River, but they generated too much wash.

In 2006/07, the class were repowered with MTU Series 60 engines. Today, all nine remain in service with Transdev Sydney Ferries.

In 2020, the then 35-year old ferries underwent a major upgrade to provide them with another 10 years of service. The work was undertaken at Port Macquarie. The changes included upgraded engines, refurbished interiors, the provision of air conditioning and additional safety features. The first vessel to be upgraded and returned to service was Golden Grove.

Vessels