Echo Marine Group today celebrated a significant milestone in Western Australia’s transition to sustainable public transport, hosting the official keel laying ceremony for the first vessel in the Public Transport Authority’s fleet of battery-electric ferries.
The ceremony was attended by Premier Roger Cook, Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti, Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation Manufacturing Amber-Jade Sanderson, Member for Cockburn David Scaife MLA, Members of the PTA, and members of the Echo Marine Group workforce.
As the first of five vessels to be constructed under the program, the ferry will form part of what will become Australia’s first fully electric public transport ferry fleet, operating on Perth’s Swan River. The project represents a major investment in low-emission transport infrastructure, Western Australian manufacturing capability, and the State’s decarbonisation objectives.
Today’s keel laying ceremony and affixing of the plaque by our first-year apprentice fabricator Sebastian Dunlop, marks the commencement of vessel construction following extensive design, engineering and project development activities undertaken by the Echo Marine Group team and project partners.
Echo Marine Group Managing Director Mark Stothard said the milestone demonstrated the strength of Western Australia’s advanced maritime manufacturing sector and Echo Marine Group’s ability to deliver complex, world-class vessels locally.
“Today represents far more than the commencement of construction on a new ferry. It demonstrates our capability to design, engineer and build sophisticated, environmentally sustainable vessels that will serve our community for decades to come.
We are proud to be partnering with the Public Transport Authority on a project that supports local jobs, apprenticeships, sovereign shipbuilding capability, and the continued development of advanced manufacturing in Western Australia.
Importantly, this vessel is the first of a fleet that will place Western Australia at the forefront of sustainable public transport, delivering Australia’s first fully electric public transport ferry network.”
Construction is being undertaken at Echo Marine Group’s Henderson shipyard within the Australian Marine Complex, drawing upon the company’s extensive experience in aluminium vessel construction for commercial, superyacht and defence applications.
A broad network of Western Australian suppliers and contractors is contributing to the project, creating economic benefits throughout the State while supporting highly skilled trade, engineering, and apprenticeship opportunities.
Once operational, the five-vessel fleet will provide quieter, cleaner, and more sustainable transport services for commuters and visitors travelling on Perth’s iconic Swan River.
The program aligns with the Western Australian Government’s broader commitment to
decarbonisation, innovation and investment in future-focused transport infrastructure while showcasing the capability of local industry to deliver complex maritime projects.
Echo Marine Group thanked the Western Australian Government, Public Transport Authority, project partners, and workforce for their contribution to achieving this important milestone.
