First Fleet-class ferry facts for kids
The First Fleet class is a group of ferries that sail on Sydney Harbour in Australia. These ferries are operated by Transdev Sydney Ferries. They are named after the ships of the First Fleet, which brought the first European settlers to Australia.
Golden Grove in October 2006
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| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Builders: | Carrington Slipways |
| Operators: |
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| Built: | 1984–1986 |
| Completed: | 9 |
| Active: | 9 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Catamaran |
| Displacement | 83 tonnes |
| Length | 25.4 m (83 ft) |
| Propulsion | MTU Series 60 |
| Speed | 11 knots (20 km/h; 13 mph) |
| Capacity | 393 |
Contents
History of the First Fleet Ferries
In the early 1980s, the Urban Transit Authority decided to order new ferries. They needed to replace older K-class and wooden Lady class ferries. These new boats would serve Sydney Harbour.
Building the New Ferries
Nine catamaran ferries were ordered. They were built by Carrington Slipways in Tomago. A catamaran is a boat with two hulls, which makes it very stable.
The new ferries were delivered between 1984 and 1986. Each one was named after a ship from the First Fleet. This fleet brought the first European settlers to Australia in 1788.
Early Challenges and Upgrades
These ferries were first meant to operate on the Parramatta River. However, they created too much "wash." This means they made big waves that could cause problems for other boats or the riverbanks. So, they were moved to other routes.
In 2006 and 2007, the ferries received new engines. These were MTU Series 60 engines. All nine ferries are still in service today with Transdev Sydney Ferries.
Major Refurbishment in 2020
In 2020, the ferries were about 35 years old. They went through a big upgrade to keep them running for another 10 years. This work was done in Port Macquarie.
The upgrades included several improvements:
- Newer, more efficient engines.
- Refurbished interiors, making them look fresh inside.
- The addition of air conditioning for passenger comfort.
- New safety features to keep everyone safe.
The first ferry to be upgraded and return to service was the Golden Grove.
First Fleet Class Vessels
Here is a list of the nine ferries in the First Fleet class:
| Name | Call Sign | MMSI | Shipyard No | Completed | Status | Namesake |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supply | 16496 | 503344800 | 163 | 1984 | Active | HMS Supply |
| Sirius | 15622 | 503345700 | 164 | 1984 | Active | HMS Sirius |
| Alexander | 15517 | 503344900 | 165 | 1985 | Active | Alexander |
| Borrowdale | 16852 | 503345100 | 1985 | Active | Borrowdale | |
| Charlotte | 17258 | 503345200 | 167 | 1985 | Active | Charlotte |
| Fishburn | 15519 | 503345300 | 176 | 1985 | Active | Fishburn |
| Friendship | 17458 | 503345400 | 1986 | Active | Friendship | |
| Golden Grove | 16497 | 503345500 | 177 | 1986 | Active | Golden Grove |
| Scarborough | 16814 | 503345600 | 178 | 1986 | Active | Scarborough |
