⛴️ Design and Construction of Electric Passenger Vessels for the Transperth Ferry Service

WA's PTA awarded Echo Marine Group a $73.49M contract for 5+ electric ferries to expand Transperth's network, linking Elizabeth Quay with Applecross and Matilda

BACKGROUND The PTA is focused on providing a better future for Western Australians through connected, resilient, safe, and sustainable public transport. The PTA delivers accessible, reliable, and safe public transport through the provision of metropolitan rail, bus and ferry services and regional services, country rail and coach services as well as regional school bus services. Transperth is the brand name of Perth’s public transport network and currently operates a passenger ferry service between Mend St Jetty (South Perth) and Elizabeth Quay Jetty (Perth) utilizing two low-wash aluminium ferries with conventional diesel engines. Transperth is expanding its ferry network to link Applecross and Matilda Bay, Nedlands with Elizabeth Quay, Perth (EQ) utilizing new low-wash battery electric ferries. Transperth undertook an Expression of Interest in 2024 seeking feedback from the local vessel manufacturing industry on an appropriate design for the ferries and capability of the local industry to delivery the requested features and performance requirements for the vessels, as well as the possible timeframes over which manufacturing and supply could be undertaken for varying numbers of vessels. FUNCTION AND PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION The PTA is seeking a suitably qualified vessel manufacturer to Design, Construct and Deliver at least five (5) electric vessels to be operated between Elizabeth Quay and Applecross , via Matilda Bay, with an option for an additional five (5) vessels to be exercised at the PTA’s sole discretion. Note to Respondents: PTA250023 (Book3) Proposed Form of Contract is currently being finalised and will be issued by way of addendum.

The Public Transport Authority awarded a $73,492,502 fixed-price contract via Open Advertisement to Echo Marine Group (Echo Marine Group Pty Ltd) for the design and construction of electric passenger vessels. Nine submissions were received.