Construction has officially begun on Western Australia’s first locally built electric ferry fleet, marking a manufacturing milestone for the $107 million METRONET on Swan Ferry Service Expansion project.
A keel laying ceremony has marked the start of vessel construction, with Henderson-based shipbuilder Echo Marine Group contracted to design and build five electric ferries as part of the jointly funded project, the WA Government said in a media release.
The new vessels, which are expected to enter service from late 2027, will be capable of carrying up to 100 passengers and are designed to provide an accessible and modern passenger experience, including onboard toilets, bicycle storage and external seating. The ferries will also have a maximum operating speed of 25 knots and are designed to produce a low wake.
The WA Government said the project is intended to support local manufacturing and employment, with around 130 Echo Marine workers, including apprentices, expected to be involved in the construction program.
WA Premier Roger Cook said the project aligned with the government’s broader manufacturing objectives.
“My government is committed to making more things here in Western Australia because it’s how we diversify the WA economy so it remains the strongest in the nation and ensure it is resilient to future challenges,” Cook said.
“The new electric METRONET on Swan ferry project harnesses our State’s shipbuilding sector by supporting local businesses and creating local jobs and training opportunities.”
He added that “130 workers” would be involved in manufacturing the ferries, including apprentices in fabrication, mechanical, electrical and fit-out trades.
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said the project represented an investment in Perth’s transport infrastructure.
“The Albanese Government is proud to invest in the infrastructure that Perth needs to reduce congestion and better connect communities,” King said.
“Electric ferries are being successfully used overseas, and their introduction represents a significant milestone for Australia’s public transport network.”
WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the project would underpin what the government describes as the largest expansion of ferry services on the Swan River.
“By building electric ferries in WA for the first time we’re not only supporting local jobs but strengthening our State’s shipbuilding capability for the future,” Saffioti said.
WA Manufacturing Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the decision to source the vessels locally would support Western Australian businesses and workers.
“By choosing a local manufacturer for our new fleet of ferries, we’re supporting great WA businesses and diversifying our economy for the future,” Sanderson said.
The ferry construction project forms part of a broader package of works that includes new ferry terminals at Applecross and Matilda Bay, with tenders for those facilities currently open and scheduled to close on 11 August 2026.
The WA Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure will oversee the terminal projects, while the Public Transport Authority is progressing additional works at Elizabeth Quay, Matilda Bay and Barrack Square to support operation of the expanded ferry network.
Federal Member for Tangney Sam Lim said the project would create jobs while improving transport options, while Cockburn MLA David Scaife said local construction of the ferries would support employment and contribute to economic diversification. Bateman MLA Kim Giddens said the new vessels would provide additional transport choices and improved infrastructure for passengers travelling across Perth’s waterways.
