EV Maritime is proud to announce its appointment by leading Australian shipbuilder Echo Marine Group as electric propulsion systems integrator for five new battery-electric fast ferries being built for the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia (PTA).
24m Electric Fast Ferry for Public Transport Authority of Western Australia.
Source: One2three Naval Architects & Echo Marine Group
The five 24-metre high-speed vessels form part of the METRONET on Swan Ferry Service Expansion, the largest-ever expansion of Perth’s ferry network. Echo Marine Group was awarded the A$66 million contract to design and construct the fleet.
Naval architecture is by acclaimed Australian firm One2three Naval Architects. EV Maritime will be responsible for electrical systems integration as well as engineering of some key mechanical systems. The new ferries will be Western Australia’s first electric ferry fleet.
EV Maritime’s business model is to de-risk procurement for local government, operators and industry by developing and proving standardized technology platforms for high-performance electric vessels.
The firm’s role in the Perth project builds on the success of their first two “EVM200” 24-metre electric passenger ferries, which were built for Auckland Transport. EV Maritime was responsible for all aspects of design, engineering and system integration for these 200-passenger carbon fibre vessels, which each carry up to 200 passengers and are amongst the fastest fully-electric ferries in the world.
In contrast to the Auckland vessels, which are built to a standardised platform design, the client’s requirements for Perth require a fully custom design. This new project therefore marks a major strategic development for EV Maritime: seeing the firm step aside from vessel design altogether to focus on engineering and system integration.
The integrated electric power and propulsion package which lies at the heart of EV Maritime’s supply draws on the proven performance credentials of the EVM200 platform while also showcasing several new and exciting innovations.
“EVM200” 24m Electric Fast Ferry for Auckland Transport. (Source: Wild Media & EV Maritime).
Quotes:
Michael Eaglen, Founder and CEO, EV Maritime.
“We are delighted to announce EV Maritime’s key role in delivering another landmark maritime electrification project. We’re grateful to Echo Marine Group for trusting EV Maritime to deliver the integration package which underpins the capability of these vessels.”
“This project is immensely significant, both locally and internationally. We commend PTA for their bold vision and commitment to transport decarbonization. We are proud that EV Maritime has been chosen to deliver on this.”
Damian Camp, Chairman, EV Maritime
“EV Maritime has always focused on standardization as a pathway to accelerate the electric transition. The Swan River demanded a custom low air draft vessel but when paired with our standard driveline system, we can now support naval architects and deliver high-confidence electric vessels worldwide”
“EV Maritime will continue to develop and promote our platform designs as a proven pathway for shipyards around the world to offer electric vessels to their customers. But partnering with like-minded naval architects on custom project designs gives us far more reach and impact.”
Shawn Balding, Chief Electrical Engineer, EV Maritime
“Our first vessels set a new standard for capacity, performance and range for electric commuter ferries. But EV Maritime’s next generation electric driveline and automation platform is a significant step up from there again, delivering higher performance, in shorter timeframes, for less cost and simpler installation. This will materially reduce barriers to electrification and accelerate the energy transition in our sector.”
Anthony Livanos, Project Manager – Echo Marine Group
“EV Maritime not only brings expertise in high-voltage marine systems, they also have extensive understanding of the challenges of designing and building high-performance electric vessel – essential to de-risk and successfully execute this project,”
“EV Maritime has proven themselves capable, with some very impressive first boats that are directly relevant to our project. They bring first-hand knowledge of the many challenges of deploying these new technologies, which gives Echo Marine Group, and the Public Transport Authority, real confidence in the delivery of this fleet.”
KEY FACTS
- Western Australia’s first electric ferry fleet
- Five 24-metre battery-electric fast ferries.
- Client: Public Transport Authority of Western Australia, as part of the METRONET on Swan Ferry Service Expansion
- Shipbuilder: Echo Marine Group, Henderson, WA
- Naval architect: One2three Naval Architects, Sydney
- EV Maritime scope:
- Electrical systems integration: electrical engineering, power conversion panels, integrated vessel management & power management systems, and data intelligence platform
- Mechanical systems engineering to support electrical systems
- Vessel specification:
- 100-passenger capacity,
- low-wake hull form,
- maximum operating speed of 25 knots,
- aluminium construction
- EV Maritime’s next-generation power and propulsion platform delivers a step-change in weight and space efficiency and significantly simplifies shipboard installation.
About EV Maritime: EV Maritime is a clean-tech engineering and technology company specialising in the inshore commercial maritime sector. Founded in Auckland, New Zealand its mission is to decarbonise the harbour cities of the world, starting with ferries. EV Maritime currently offer two ‘standard platform’ vessel designs, available in full electric of plug-in hybrid configuration, and provide mechanical & electrical integration and support to local boatbuilders worldwide.
EV Maritime has design and systems integration projects underway with operators, shipyards and naval architects in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
EV Maritime a “2025 Meaningful Business 100” awardee – the only company from Oceania, and one of only four mobility businesses, on the global list. Founder Michael Eaglen was named New Zealand’s 2025 BLAKE Leader for Business. For more information, visit evmaritime.com.
About Echo Marine Group:
Echo Marine Group is a Western Australian family-owned and operated shipbuilding, refit and maintenance company based at the Australian Marine Complex in Henderson. Specialising in the full-custom design, construction, refit and maintenance of large, complex vessels, the company has established a reputation for delivering world-class maritime projects from Western Australia.
In 2025, Echo Marine Group was awarded a A$66 million contract by the Western Australian Government to design and construct five new battery-electric ferries for the METRONET Swan River Ferry Service Expansion. The project is supporting approximately 130 local jobs, including valuable apprenticeship and training opportunities, while delivering Australia’s first fleet of fully electric public transport ferries.
For more information, visit echomarinegroup.com
– ENDS –
MEDIA CONTACT
Michael Eaglen — EV Maritime
Michael.eaglen@evmaritime.com
For Echo Marine Group media enquiries:
Chris Blackwell / sales@echomarinegroup.com
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