Auckland’s electric ferry hits the water

Auckland's new electric ferry. Image: McMullen and Wing

Posted by Dale Crisp
|
13 Jun, 2025

THE TEMPORARILY-named AT1, claimed to be a world-leading 100% electric ferry, was launched from the yard of NZ builder McMullen & Wing early on Wednesday [11 June].

The vessel is the first of two fully-electric and two hybrid ferries on order for Auckland Transport, which is also re-engining four diesel-powered ferries with new units to provide “an immediate reliability and emissions benefit.

The EVM200-type ferry was designed and developed by naval architects and systems integrators EV Maritime, which was founded by three prominent NZ marine industry leaders, with deep experience spanning commercial, military, superyacht, America’s Cup and Grand Prix yacht racing spheres. It specialises in zero-emission fast ferries for harbour use.

McMullen & Wing builds in steel, aluminium and composite and services the commercial and recreational marine sectors with newbuild, refit and service work. It is located about 15 minutes’ drive from the Auckland CBD, on the Tamaki River, with direct access to Waitemata Harbour.

AT1 was moved from the shipbuilder's construction shed last weekend and prepared for launch, which took place in the early hours of Wednesday.

With continued work, testing and commissioning required over the next few months, the fast ferry and fleetmates will mostly run between Half Moon Bay and Downtown Auckland, Auckland Transport says. They can carry up to 200 passengers and are built from carbon-fibre composite, making them super light and energy-efficient.

ABB Marine & Ports is supplying the power system which, it is claimed, can charge at “lightning speed”, up to 2.2 megawatts, which is nearly 10 x faster than a Tesla Supercharger!

The decarbonisation of AT’s ferry fleet is a part of its Mission Electric initiative to invest in low emission transport options.  AT’s train network has been electrified already and all new buses will be electric.

“Auckland’s ferries use around 13 million litres of diesel each year and make up 20% of public transport emissions. Our first new ferries will be powered by locally generated electricity, helping reduce fuel consumption by approximately 1.5 million litres each year, and avoiding about 4,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions,” the organisation said.