Diesel ferry fleet is reaching its end-of-life.
In Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city with a population of 1.6 million, people rely on an integrated public transport network. However, a significant portion of Auckland’s ageing diesel ferry fleet, operated by four companies, is reaching its end-of-life. Fullers360 has recognised the need to future-proof the city’s ferry network and has begun its own decarbonisation journey securing co-investment from government to maximise the existing diesel fleet while investing in new, low emissions vessels.
NetZero Maritime is executing Fullers360’s decarbonisation strategy in Auckland.
In the short term, the primary focus for NetZero Maritime is to enhance the energy efficiency of the existing diesel fleet while construction of new vessels is underway. Implementing a comprehensive analysis of the diesel fleet by utilising telematic vessel tracking and specialised emission tracking software, NetZero Maritime has implemented a data-driven mid-to-long-term strategy for the legacy fleet, taking into consideration that each vessel is in a different stage of its life cycle.
Fullers360’s diverse portfolio of destinations, ranging from 15 to 50-minute journey times across the dynamic Hauraki Gulf network, requires detailed route analysis. NetZero Maritime have utilised their business case and modelling expertise, emphasising an understanding of local and central government finance strategies, underscoring the necessity for a robust business case to support sustainability solutions.
To realise Fullers360’s mission of decarbonising the Hauraki Gulf, a Public Private Partnership (PPP) was negotiated with local and central government resulting in their commitment to invest in new vessels and develop shoreside infrastructure.
As a result, a suite of new electric-hybrid vessels is being delivered for Auckland.
As part of the PPP, an initial fleet of five high-speed electric-hybrid vessels is being constructed for Auckland city. The first of which is due to be operational in 2025.
With a capacity of 200-300 passengers these vessels utilise plug-in electric-hybrid technology, and will initially use diesel generators while shoreside charging infrastructure is implemented. Once in place, the vessels will operate solely on electricity.
On behalf of Fullers360, NetZero Maritime is managing the development of a 9-meter luxury tourism vessel as a trial for future large public transport hydrogen-powered foiling catamarans. The vessel is fully electric, made of carbon fibre and will begin on-water testing in 2024 before commencing services later in the year.
If proven to be successful, the technology will be applied to larger 18-meter foiling hydrogen-powered passenger ferries – reinforcing Fullers360’s commitment to pioneering environmentally friendly transport across the Hauraki Gulf.
With the introduction of the first two new electric-hybrid vessels in 2025 and 2026, Fullers360 expect to remove 1900T of CO2 emissions on short inner harbour services per year.
It is anticipated that emissions will reduce by a minimum of 50% on longer commuter routes with capability to be 100% once shoreside charging infrastructure is scaled across the network.
The cost of purchasing and operating an electric-hybrid vessel on a short inner harbour route across 12 years will be approximately $11M lower than diesel alternatives.
