Although reconstruction of the Narrabeen engine has begun, ministerial notes say the project faced “significant excesses of time and costs, which caused it to stop … in March”.
The shipping agency estimates that the bill for rebuilding the engine would have been an additional $ 700,000, which it says is “above” the coupling costs. “Given this additional expense, it is more profitable to retain the MV Queenscliff,” the ministerial notes state.
The new plans come amid a review by Transport for NSW of Emerald-class ships, which were purchased to replace freshwater ferries. The poor performance of the new ferries has led the agency to take “contractual action” against Transdev, which operates government-owned vessels.
Labor transport spokeswoman Jo Haylen said the decision to suspend the Narrabeen and keep only two of the four freshwater vessels was “another broken transport promise” from the government.
“It is clear that foreign-built Emerald-class ferries have failed to provide a reliable Manly ferry service, but the government still insists on endangering the only ships that have been shown to operate in these conditions.” he said.
Transport Minister David Elliott said he acknowledged the strong link between the community and freshwater vessels, but the decision to keep two of these flagship ferries and remove the other two is the right balance for travelers “.
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“I look forward to receiving final recommendations from Transport for NSW on its proposed options for the ferry fleet,” he said.
Public Transport Action spokesman Graeme Taylor said the Narrabeen should be docked immediately and returned to service during the summer period.
“The government must allow for the possibility of frequent mechanical failures by the new Emeralds and the need for safety boats. Safety boats must be the big freshwater ferries,” he said.
A Transport for NSW spokesman confirmed that Queenscliff and Freshwater were expected to continue in “ongoing operation” while a plan is developed for the removal and future use of the Collaroy and Narrabeen.
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