New Zealand’s First Fully Electric Passenger Ferry Launched

This Thursday 16^th of December, the official launch of the fully electric ferry, Ika Rere, is taking place in Wellington, New Zealand. After years of innovation, collaboration and expert craftmanship the 19 meter carbon-fibre catamaran is ready to welcome key members of the public onto the ferry, for the first time.

The vessel will carry up to 132 passengers on its Queen’s Wharf to Days Bay route across Wellington Harbour in New Zealand. 

The Wellington Electric Boat Building Company (WEBBCo) hosted event will be held at Foxglove restaurant in Wellington, giving attendees the chance to meet the project team and see the ferry in action. Members of the project team include boat builders WEBBCo, vessel designers SSC Marine, ferry operators East by West, composite engineering company Gurit, charging consultants Retyna, electrical specialists McKay and energy providers Meridian Energy.

In partnership with WEBBCo, McKay’s marine division delivered the entire electrical scope, including the electrical engineering, vessel automation, electric propulsion, and energy storage for the ferry. With a service speed of 20 knots, the vessel has been built to complete one return run of 25km before charging at the dockside, while passengers disembark and board. Rapid charging will allow the boat to run through rush-hour peak sailings followed by a relaxed mid-day schedule.

“To see this project come to fruition and successful launch is a key milestone in the New Zealand marine industry. The collaboration and innovation driven by the build partners over the project has seen a truly ground breaking product delivered in what is not only a good commercial decision for her operators, but the right decision for our environment” - Ben Haselden, McKay Marine Manager

East by West ferries plan to have the ferry operating at full service by February 2022.