WEBBCO and Auckland Council Advocate for Greater Future of Harbour Connectivity and Public Transport

WEBBCO, a leading high-speed electric ferry builder, is encouraged after their recent opportunity to present to the Auckland Council Transport and Infrastructure committee meeting in August. The meeting provided a valuable platform to discuss and share insights on Electric Ferries and their associated benefits and challenges.

In full support of Auckland Transport's commitment to the electrification of its passenger fleet, WEBBCO is eager to contribute to the development of this important initiative with "run-specific" solutions that could cater to almost every existing route of Auckland Transport (AT) in the Waitematā Harbour, including a proposed bike boat concept.

At the meeting WEBBCO advised it would be shortly presenting its bike boat proposal to AT for further review.

Drawing from their real-world experience, WEBBCO highlighted the importance of a team of experts in designing and building a "run-specific" electric ferry with the integration of shoreside infrastructure, electric propulsion, and specifically engineered hull designs all being vital considerations. In this regard, WEBBCO has partnered with SSC Marine to ensure the highest level of expertise, as demonstrated with the successful delivery of the Ika Rere in 2022, the first fully electric ferry in the southern hemisphere and the world’s first carbon fibre electric ferry. The Ika Rere, with its innovative narrow hull design that effectively slices through water instead of planing above it, showcases the vessel's reliability even in challenging conditions. The ferry has proven its ability to maintain commuter services in demanding scenarios, including 2.5-meter seas and 50 knots of breeze.

The WEBBCO electric ferry design takes the efficient catamaran concept to another level. To meet AT's specific route requirements, it is our belief that props are a better option rather than jet units with several advantages. Firstly, we have found propellers to be more efficient at this required service speed, and secondly, this enables significantly narrower hulls which results in further efficiency, and improved sea keeping and ride comfort.

The result is unequalled performance, range, and comfort compared to anything similar in the market.

As the only boat builder in the world with a working carbon fibre electric ferry in operation, WEBBCO has proven operational data to confirm its performance estimates.

This enables WEBBCO to speak with confidence that demanding routes such as the Auckland CBD to Gulf Harbour run are achievable with electric ferries and AT’s required transit times.

Having already made significant strides towards sustainable transportation in New Zealand, WEBBCO's innovative and forward-thinking approach positions them as a reliable provider of practical and efficient solutions for Auckland's most challenging ferry routes. Notably, the Ika Rere design concept could address issues that include 40% of trip cancellations on the Gulf Harbour run due to adverse weather conditions and crew shortages.

WEBBCO believes that to establish stronger community connections, Auckland's ferry network must extend its reach and provide commuting options to all parts of the region. To address this challenge, WEBBCO proposes the introduction of electric bike boats operating between Northcote and Wynyard Quarter. This vision includes the deployment of three electric bike ferries with a capacity of 100 passengers and 60 bikes per run. Such a low-carbon transport option would cater to the 66% of people, as per a recent report by Waka Kotahi, who would choose to walk or cycle if a viable option were available to cross the Waitematā Harbour Bridge.

WEBBCO has demonstrated it has the knowledge and experience to introduce innovative and sustainable transportation solutions while preserving the environment and the iconic harbours of Auckland. The team eagerly looks forward to collaborating with Auckland Council and Auckland Transport to shape a more sustainable ferry future for the Auckland region.