Henderson shipbuilders called up to help Metronet expand along the river

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Henderson-based shipbuilder Echo Marine Group has been awarded the contract to design and construct five new electric ferries as part of the state government’s Swan ferry expansion project.

The $66 million contract is set to deliver WA’s first electric ferry fleet, with each vessel designed to carry about 140 passengers at a maximum operating speed of 25 knots.

Echo Marine Group has received a $66 million contract to design and construct five new electric ferries.

The ferries will be designed to produce a low wake and will feature toilet facilities, bike storage and external seating for passengers.

About 130 Echo Marine employees, including apprentices, are expected to work on the vessels, with construction set to begin within weeks and the new ferry services predicted to start before the end of 2027.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the locally made ferries would expand public transport options for Western Australians and provide a high-quality experience for passengers.

“Today’s milestone marks another step forward in the biggest ever expansion of Perth’s ferry network and I look forward to seeing these new services operating from late 2027,” she said.

Federal Transport Minister Catherine King said the Swan River had the potential to be a key transport link for Perth commuters and visitors.

“That’s why we’ve invested in the expansion of the Perth ferry network,” she said.

“An expanded ferry network needs more ferries, and WA has a proven record of building quality ferries.”

The contract follows the approval of two new ferry terminals at Applecross and Matilda Bay, despite community opposition to the plans.

A protester was told to leave a WA Planning Commission meeting about the Cook Government’s $107 million Metronet on the Swan ferry plan earlier this month, before commission members approved both ferry sites.

The $107 million ferry network expansion was a key Labor election commitment and will see the existing South Perth to Elizabeth Quay route continue out to Matilda Bay and down to Applecross near the Raffles Hotel.

The Matilda Bay site has been particularly controversial given the impact it would have on users of the bay.

More deals struck in red-hot Henderson

The ferry contract is not the only shipbuilding deal announced for Henderson on Friday.

Austal Ships has been awarded a further contract extension for the construction of two additional Evolved Cape-class patrol boats for the Australian Border Force.

Austal Australia has been awarded a contract extension for two additional Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats.

Parent company Austal Limited said the latest award, valued at more than $135 million, brings the total number of the patrol boats contracted to Austal to 14 vessels.

Austal Limited chief executive Paddy Gregg said the additional vessels continue to strengthen Maritime Border Command’s readiness and operational reach.

“Over the past five years, the Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats have proven themselves as highly capable, reliable assets for Australia’s border protection missions,” he said.

“With nine Evolved Capes already delivered and performing exceptionally with the Royal Australian Navy, and two more already under construction for the Australian Border Force, this new order further enhances Australia’s maritime surveillance and response capability across Northern Australia and our vast maritime domain.”

Austal delivered eight original Cape-class Patrol Boats to the Australian Border Force between 2012 and 2015, followed by additional orders and deliveries for two vessels to the Royal Australian Navy in 2017 and two more to the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard in 2021.