The F1 Manly Ferry operators have confirmed Manly Observer’s report last week alleging potentially catastrophic steering failures with the new smaller ferries known as Emerald Gen 2.
The operators, Transdev, confirmed our report, but issued a statement which took the long way around to communicate as much:
“Three Generation II Emerald class vessels are currently undergoing maintenance,” a statement began. “The vessels require a component change-out after a relay component issue was identified in the steering system on the Clontarf last Thursday.”
In human speak, if you’ll indulge the editorialising, this means the steering is a bit stuffed, and needs to be fixed…
Confidential sources had informed Manly Observer last week that a serious steering failure had occurred while in public operation about 6pm the Thursday prior. This saw the ferry pulled off for inspection to its steering, and the remaining fleet followed suit.
With little communication to prepare commuters for a reduced service, there were extensive queues at the wharf on 6 May, creating long lines for the privatised Manly Fast Ferry. The larger 1100-capacity Freshwater ferries, which the Emeralds were brought in to replace under the previous Liberal government, had remained docked at Circular Quay during this period.
Manly MP James Griffin asked why. “This doesn’t cut it. If there are issues with the Emeralds, then instead of packing up and going home, they should be running the Freshwater Ferries of which so much effort was put into saving,” he said.
The three Emerald Gen 2 ferries were brought into Australia, via Port Macquarie in 2021 and were touted by then Transport Minister Rob Stokes as “purpose built” for the Manly to Circular Quay route, “with a reinforced hull able to handle Sydney Heads swells.”
Concern over the reliability of the ferries emerged sooner after they hit the harbour, with all three overseas-built ferries exhibiting steering issues and later requiring refitting with more “heavy duty” engines.
What is the new Manly ferry timetable?
We have requested but not yet been provided an estimate on the new schedule of repairs.
In the meantime, Transport for NSW reports an ongoing reduced timetable this week.
A Transdev spokesperson apologised for the disruption.
“From 7 May, the F1 Manly ferry will run to an amended timetable with a slight change in frequency of every 30 minutes in the morning and afternoon peaks. Passengers can also use alternative transport, including Manly Fast Ferry and regular bus services.”
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