EV Maritime to Integrate Electric Propulsion Systems for Perth’s First Battery-Electric Ferry Fleet

New Zealand-based EV Maritime has been selected by Echo Marine Group to provide electric propulsion systems integration for five battery-electric ferries being built for the Public Transport Authority (PTA) of Western Australia.

The vessels form part of the METRONET programme to expand Perth’s Swan River ferry network and represent the city’s first battery-electric passenger ferries.

Echo Marine Group secured the A$66 million contract to construct the fleet at its Henderson shipyard and has partnered with Auckland-headquartered EV Maritime to deliver the electrical and propulsion integration.

Five Electric Ferries Planned for Swan River Network

The fleet will comprise five 24-metre aluminium ferries, each capable of carrying 100 passengers at speeds of up to 25 knots.

Designed by One2three Naval Architects, the vessels will feature low-wake hulls intended for operation on the Swan River.

Under the contract, EV Maritime will be responsible for integrating the electric propulsion systems, including power conversion panels, vessel automation software, energy management systems, onboard data intelligence platforms, and supporting mechanical engineering.

EV Maritime Expands Beyond Standard Ferry Platform

The Perth project marks a different approach for EV Maritime, whose first commercial electric ferries were developed for Auckland Transport.

Those earlier EVM200 vessels were built using carbon fibre, accommodated up to 200 passengers, and were designed, engineered and integrated entirely by EV Maritime on its proprietary platform.

For the Perth programme, however, EV Maritime will focus solely on electrical and mechanical systems integration while working with a custom vessel design developed by One2three Naval Architects.

Michael Eaglen, Founder and CEO of EV Maritime, said:

“We are grateful to Echo Marine Group for trusting EV Maritime to deliver the integration package which underpins the capability of these vessels.”

He added:

“The Public Transport Authority’s bold vision and commitment to transport decarbonization gives the project weight well beyond Western Australia.”

Updated Electric Driveline Technology

According to EV Maritime, the propulsion technology supplied for the Perth ferries incorporates advancements developed since the company’s first commercial electric ferry programme.

Chairman Damian Camp said:

“The Swan River brief demanded a custom low air draft vessel, but when paired with our standard driveline system, we can now support naval architects and deliver high-confidence electric vessels worldwide.”

He added:

“EV Maritime will continue to develop and promote our platform designs as a proven pathway for shipyards around the world, while partnering with naval architects on custom builds gives us far more reach and impact.”

Chief Electrical Engineer Shawn Balding said:

“The original vessels set a new standard for capacity, performance and range for electric commuter ferries, but the driveline and automation platform now going into Perth is a significant step up from there again, delivering higher performance, in shorter timeframes, for less cost and simpler installation.”

Shipbuilder Highlights Technical Collaboration

Echo Marine Group said EV Maritime’s experience in electric propulsion systems was an important factor in the partnership.

Project Manager Anthony Livanos said:

“EV Maritime not only brings expertise in high-voltage marine systems but also extensive understanding of the challenges of designing and building high-performance electric vessel.”

He added:

“Having already delivered very impressive first boats that are directly relevant to our project, EV Maritime gives both Echo Marine Group and the Public Transport Authority real confidence in the delivery of this fleet.”