Freshwater-class ferry

{{Short description|Ferry class operating services on Sydney Harbour}} {{Use Australian English|date=April 2018}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2018}} {{Multiple issues| {{More citations needed|date=September 2024}} {{Weasel|date=September 2024}} }} {{Infobox ship |infobox_caption=''Freshwater'' class |section1={{Infobox ship/image |image = Sydney Ferry Collaroy 1 - Nov 2008.jpg |image_caption = ''Collaroy'' in 2008 }}

|section2={{Infobox ship/class overview |builders = State Dockyard Newcastle (2) and later Carrington Slipways Newcastle (2) |operators = Franchisee [[Transdev Sydney Ferries]] |class_before = ''[[SS South Steyne|South Steyne]]'', {{sclass|Dee Why|ferry|4}}, ''[[Binngarra]]'' |class_after = |subclasses = |built_range = |in_service_range = |total_ships_building = |total_ships_planned = |total_ships_completed = 4 |total_ships_cancelled = |total_ships_active = 3 |total_ships_laid_up = |total_ships_lost = |total_ships_retired = 1 |total_ships_scrapped = |total_ships_preserved = }}

|section3={{Infobox ship/characteristics |hide_header = |header_caption = |class = |tonnage = |displacement = 1,140 tons (loaded) |length = {{Convert|70.4|m|ftin|abbr=on}} |beam = {{Convert|13.06|m|ftin|abbr=on}} |height = |draught = {{Convert|3.35|m|ftin|abbr=on}} |draft = |depth = |decks = 2 |deck_clearance = |ramps = 4 hydraulic passenger ramps |ice_class = |sail_plan = |power = |propulsion = 2x feathering propellers. One on each end. |speed =  |capacity = 1,100 |crew = 6 |notes = Double ended single hull of welded steel construction. Welded [[aluminium]] alloy superstructure. }} }}

The '''''Freshwater'' class''' is a class of [[ferry]] operating the [[Manly ferry services|Manly ferry service]] between [[Circular Quay]] and [[Manly, New South Wales|Manly]] on [[Port Jackson|Sydney Harbour]]. The ferries are owned by the [[Government of New South Wales]] and operated by the franchisee [[Transdev Sydney Ferries]] under the government's [[Sydney Ferries]] brand.

==History== The need for new ferries on the [[Manly, New South Wales|Manly]]–[[Circular Quay]] service was identified during the mid-1970s, during which time the service was characterised by deteriorating quality and low patronage.{{cn|date=February 2026}}

The ferries were also used to travel to [[Port Kembla, New South Wales|Port Kembla]] and [[Wollongong]], [[Broken Bay]] and the [[Central Coast (New South Wales)|Central Coast]], and [[Newcastle, New South Wales|Newcastle]] during the 1990s, since they had features that would allow them to travel past the [[Sydney Heads]] and into the [[Tasman Sea]].{{cn|date=February 2026}}

===Decline of the Manly ferries=== Prior to 1971, the ferry services on the Manly–Circular Quay route were operated by the [[Port Jackson & Manly Steamship Company]]. In that year, the company posted a modest profit of $112,000. Patronage was approaching all-time lows, but the growth prospect for ferry services was considered strong. In November 1971, the company attracted a $1.5 million takeover bid from diversified transport company [[Brambles Limited|Brambles Industries]]. The initial bid was rejected, but a later offer of $2.1 million was accepted.<ref name=Mead>{{cite book | first = Tom | last = Mead | title = Manly Ferries of Sydney Harbour: The Seven Mile Ships | year = 1994 | publisher = Dolphin Books | location = Sydney | isbn = 9780909089122}}</ref>

When Brambles took over, the Manly fleet consisted of four ferries: {{SS|South Steyne||2}}, {{MV|North Head||2}}, {{MV|Bellubera||2}} and {{MV|Baragoola||2}}, plus [[Sydney hydrofoils|hydrofoils]] ''Manly'', ''Fairlight'' and ''Dee Why''. Almost immediately, the hydrofoils were sold to Waltons Finance and leased back. The four ferries were all ageing and expensive to maintain, and it soon became evident that Brambles intended to close the service or sell the ships to the [[Government of New South Wales|State Government]] at the earliest opportunity. Fare increases and service suspensions followed. ''Bellubera'' was withdrawn from service on 14 December 1973; ''Baragoola'' was to follow early the next year. Public outrage and fears that the service would be suspended entirely led to the government resuming responsibility for the operation of the ferries in February 1974.<ref name=Mead/>

Concerns about the ongoing serviceability of the existing vessels led to a decision to modify the design of the ''[[Lady-class ferry|Lady Wakehurst]]'' and ''[[Lady-class ferry|Lady Northcott]]'', then under construction for use on the inner harbour routes, so that they could be used as relief boats on the Manly run. On 27 August 1974 the public timetable was reduced to require only two ships. The decision to modify the two Lady-class vessels proved fortuitous; as both ''North Head'' and ''Baragoola'' had to be sent for major overhauls, and the smaller ferries acted as relief ships while these works were carried out.

During the naming ceremony for ''Lady Northcott'' on 11 February 1975, then-Liberal Minister for Transport [[Wal Fife]] announced that two new ferries would be introduced to the Manly service within three years.<ref name=Mead/>

===The Burness Corlett report=== [[File:Sydney Ferries DSC01594.JPG|thumb|First Fleet-class ferry ''Alexander'' passes ''Freshwater''-class ferry ''Narrabeen''. The ''Freshwater'' class are the largest ferries in the Sydney Ferries fleet.]] A study by maritime consultants Burness Corlett Australia was released in July 1976. It investigated the requirements of new vessels to replace ''North Head'' and ''Baragoola'' by 1978. Various configurations were considered, including conventional [[monohull]], [[catamaran]], [[hovercraft]] and [[hydrofoil]]. Planing ferries of both single and twin-hull configuration were rejected, as such a configuration cannot be double-ended and therefore would have required berthing stern-first. Hydrofoils were also rejected from consideration due to excessive cost and limited passenger capacity. Two options were selected for detailed investigation: monohull and twin-hull, both double-ended and having 1,200 passenger capacity.<ref name="BCA">{{Cite book |last=Burness Corlett Australia Pty. Ltd. |title=Manly-Circular Quay Ferry Service - Type Optimisation and Preliminary Design Study for Public Transport Commission of N.S.W. |date=July 1975 |publisher=none |location=Cremorne, NSW}}</ref>

Detailed designs and blueprints were prepared for both options. The study recommended the selection of the twin-hull due to the higher service frequency achievable (due to the twin-hull's faster speed of {{convert|18|kn|lk=in|disp=comma}} versus {{convert|14.5|kn|disp=comma}}), however the study noted that other than this, there was relatively little difference between the options. The twin-hull was designed with dimensions of {{convert|63|m|ftin|adj=on}} length, {{convert|12.8|m|ftin|adj=on}} [[Beam (nautical)|beam]], and {{convert|3.3|m|ftin|adj=on}} [[Draft (hull)|draft]], while the monohull design was {{convert|67|m|ftin|adj=on}} length, {{convert|11.6|m|ftin|adj=on}} beam, and {{convert|4.27|m|ftin|adj=on}} draft. The wider beam of the twin-hull design would exceed the limits of the existing wharves at Circular Quay, and necessitate a reconfiguration of the wharves if selected. Burness Corlett were confident that the twin-hull option was the superior choice, due to service speed and stability through [[Sydney Heads]], and so no model tests were performed for the monohull design.<ref name=BCA/>

Burness Corlett predicted that either design would take approximately 21 months to construct, and that if the new ferries were to be introduced in 1978 as planned, an aggressive construction program would have to begin immediately, with tenders to be called no later than April 1976 (the report was not even released until three months after this date).<ref name=BCA/>

===New ferries announced=== After a change of government at the [[1976 New South Wales state election|1976 election]], the new Labor government's Transport Minister [[Peter Cox (politician)|Peter Cox]] announced that tenders would be called for the construction of a new "super ferry" in line with the results of the engineering study, to carry up to 1,200 passengers at speeds of 18 knots. [[File:Sydney ferry FRESHWATER launching Newcastle 27 March 1982.jpg|thumb|left|''Freshwater'' being launched in 1982]]

On 9 January 1978, the traditional three-ship Manly Ferry timetable was reintroduced. The service was operated with ''Baragoola'' (1922), ''North Head'' (1913) and either ''Lady Wakehurst'' or ''Lady Northcott''. However, the modified Lady-class ships were not good substitutes for the two older vessels, as the newer Lady ferries were too small and too slow for the Manly service. Particularly, the Lady-class ships were barely able to keep to the published timetable in peak hours.{{cn|date=February 2026}} Following the return of the Labor government at the [[1978 New South Wales state election|state election on 7 October 1978]], the [[New South Wales Labor Party|Labor Party]]'s [[Alan Stewart (Australian politician)|Alan Stewart]] became the member for Manly. This provided a fresh political impetus for the state Labor administration to order the new Manly ferries.{{cn|date=February 2026}}

Steelwork for ''Freshwater'' was laid down at the [[State Dockyard]] on 31 October 1980. Strike actions delayed completion until June 1982. The ferry terminals at [[Circular Quay ferry wharf|Circular Quay]] and [[Manly ferry wharf|Manly]] were substantially modified to accommodate the larger ferries, including the installation of wide height-adjustable two-level hydraulic ramps.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Urban Transport Authority of New South Wales |title=Annual Report: 1980-81}}</ref> Additionally a new bus-interchange was built in the wharf forecourt at Manly.{{cn|date=February 2026}}

===Proposed retirement 2021–2023 === [[File:Queenscliff_retirement.jpg|thumb|''Queenscliff'''s final trip to Manly before her previously planned retirement. However, the ship has since been given a major overhaul and returned to service.]] There were plans to replace the ''Freshwater''-class ferries with three new Emerald-class catamaran ferries in 2021. In November 2020, transport minister [[Andrew Constance]] announced that when the new ferries are put into operation, ''Collaroy'' would be retained in service until at least 2023 for weekend operation.<ref>{{Cite news |last=O'Sullivan |first=Matt |last2=Rabe |first2=Tom |date=27 November 2020 |title='Compromise position': Minister saves one Manly ferry, offers to sink another |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/compromise-position-minister-saves-one-manly-ferry-offers-to-sink-another-20201127-p56ii9.html |access-date=20 January 2026 |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]}}</ref> On 14 January 2021 it was announced that ''Freshwater'' would also be retained for future services. ''Queenscliff'' was retired on 13 October 2021, not long after the new [[Emerald-class ferry|Emerald-class vessels]] began operating.<ref>{{Cite news |last=O'Sullivan |first=Matt |date=7 October 2021 |title=End of an era: Last sailing set for Manly ferry |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/end-of-an-era-last-sailing-set-for-manly-ferry-20211007-p58y0b.html |access-date=20 January 2026 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref> ''Queenscliff'' had been in service for 38 years, just over half the time that the previous ''Binngarra''-class vessels had operated (63{{nbsp}}years). On 10 December 2021, it was announced that ''Narrabeen'' would get an engine rebuild. She had been in storage since June of that year as her engine hours had expired and the engines needed a major overhaul. As of January 2022, the old engines had been dismantled as part of commencing work on the overhaul.<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 January 2021 |title=Sydney to retain second Freshwater ferry |url=https://www.youngwitness.com.au/story/7086948/sydney-to-retain-second-freshwater-ferry/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121070155/https://www.youngwitness.com.au/story/7086948/sydney-to-retain-second-freshwater-ferry/ |archive-date=21 January 2021 |work=[[The Young Witness]]}}</ref> On 13 June 2022 it was announced that ''Collaroy'' would be retired and replaced with ''Queenscliff'' instead. Along with this it was also announced that ''Narrabeen''{{'s}} engine rebuild had been cancelled.<ref name="O'Sullivan">{{Cite news |last=O'Sullivan |first=Matt |date=13 June 2022 |title=Steering dramas force government to recommission retired Manly ferry |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/steering-dramas-force-government-to-recommission-retired-manly-ferry-20220609-p5asm6.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212213811/https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/steering-dramas-force-government-to-recommission-retired-manly-ferry-20220609-p5asm6.html |archive-date=12 February 2023 |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]}}</ref>

On 27 September 2023, ''Collaroy'' was retired and next day was moved to [[Cockatoo Island]]. Her last arrival into Circular Quay involved a ceremonious horn battle between ''Collaroy'' and the other vessels before she dropped off her final load and returned to Balmain. The following day she was moved to Cockatoo Island, alongside ''Narrabeen'', for long-term storage.{{cn|date=February 2026}}

===Return to service (2023–2025) === After the [[2023 New South Wales state election]] it was announced by transport minister [[Jo Haylen]] that the state government intended to return as many as possible of the four ''Freshwater''-class ferries to full time service.{{citation needed|date=March 2025}}

''Freshwater'' had had a major drydocking and refit in February–March 2021, allowing the vessel to continue in service for another five years before another large refit is required (due before 2026).{{cn|date=February 2026}} [[File:MV Freshwater leaving Manly Cove.jpg|thumb|''Freshwater'' departing Manly Cove in 2024 in her post 2021 refit livery. This livery was made standard during the reintroduction of the vessels.]]

''Queenscliff'' was in storage at Cockatoo Island for around 18{{nbsp}}months. In mid-2023, she was given a major refit, with a second drydock in August, which enabled her to be returned to service on 27 November 2023. Again this will allow the vessel to continue in service for another five years before this is required again (due in 2028).{{cn|date=February 2026}}

''Narrabeen'' was deteriorating in storage at Cockatoo Island after her "retirement" in 2021, but was intended to come back to service in 2022 after an engine rebuild. After much delay, it was announced that the engine rebuild was cancelled due to supply chain issues and expense, and the vessel was retired officially. However, after the 2023 state election transport minister Haylen announced that ''Narrabeen'' would return. Following a refit, including a rebuild of the engines and a new control system, she returned to full service in October 2025.<ref name="Ruffles" />

''Collaroy'' was retired in 2023 after it was decided that it would not be economically viable to return her to duty due to her mechanical differences to her sisters.<ref name="Electric">{{Cite web |author=Minister for Transport |author-link=Minister for Transport (New South Wales) |date=24 September 2024 |title=Next Generation Freshwater vessels to take to popular F1 Manly Ferry route |url=https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/next-generation-freshwater-vessels-to-take-to-popular-f1-manly-ferry-route |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924110424/https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/next-generation-freshwater-vessels-to-take-to-popular-f1-manly-ferry-route |archive-date=24 September 2024 |publisher=[[NSW Government]]}}</ref> In January 2026, it was announced that ''Collaroy'' will be scrapped.<ref name="Manlyscrap">{{cite news |last=O'Sullivan |first=Matt |date=14 January 2026 |title=Large Manly ferry and last of RiverCats to be turned into scrap metal |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/large-manly-ferry-and-last-of-rivercats-to-be-turned-into-scrap-metal-20260112-p5ntc1.html |access-date=14 January 2026 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref>

In September 2024, Transport for NSW announced that the Government would be opening a [[Invitation to tender|tender]] process for electric ferries on the Manly route.<ref name="Electric" />

==Vessels== ===''Freshwater''=== {{Infobox ship |section1={{Infobox ship/image |image = Manly Ferry Freshwater 2025.jpg |image_caption = ''Freshwater'' in 2025 }}

|section2={{Infobox ship/career |hide_header = yes |namesake = [[Freshwater Beach]] |original_cost = $8.5 million<ref name=Mead/> |launched = 27 March 1982 |completed = December 1982 |in_service = 18 December 1982 |identification = *[[Maritime call sign|Call sign]]: VJ4671 *{{IMO Number|7923914}} *{{MMSI Number|503603000}} |status = Out Of Service; Undergoing Refurbishment }} }} '''[[Motor Vessel|MV]] ''Freshwater''''' is the [[lead ship]] of the four ''Freshwater''-class ferries.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Office of Transport Safety Investigations |url=http://www.otsi.nsw.gov.au/ferry/IR-Freshwater-class-final.pdf |title=Ferry Safety Investigation Report: Systemic Investigation Into Incidents of Collision Involving Freshwater Class Vessels Operated by Sydney Ferries Corporation |date=20 October 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314004832/http://www.otsi.nsw.gov.au/ferry/IR-Freshwater-class-final.pdf |archive-date=14 March 2018}}</ref> It is named after [[Freshwater Beach]] on Sydney's [[Northern Beaches (Sydney)|Northern Beaches]]. It was launched on 27 March 1982 by Olive Cox and commissioned by her husband, [[Minister for Transport (New South Wales)|Minister for Transport]] [[Peter Cox (politician)|Peter Cox]], on 18 December 1982.

The three-month old ferry ran aground at [[Manly Cove]] in March 1983 after overshooting the wharf following a computer failure.<ref name="Manly Daily">{{cite news |last=Morcombe |first=John |date=11 March 2017 |title=Captain forced to ground vessel at Chowder Bay to avoid sinking after collision with collier |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/manly-daily/captain-forced-to-ground-vessel-at-chowder-bay-to-avoid-sinking-after-collision-with-collier/news-story/11c2e4960d6d01ce24ccf34cb33298c5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170311161728/http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/manly-daily/captain-forced-to-ground-vessel-at-chowder-bay-to-avoid-sinking-after-collision-with-collier/news-story/11c2e4960d6d01ce24ccf34cb33298c5 |archive-date=11 March 2017 |access-date=10 November 2019 |work=[[Manly Daily]]}}</ref> On 30 March 1985, ''Freshwater'' was hijacked by a man who threatened to shoot passengers unless the captain piloted the ferry beyond Sydney Heads into the ocean. The hijacker was subdued after a police officer boarded the vessel and fired three warning shots. It turned out that the man, a New Zealander, had not been carrying a gun, but an empty vodka bottle (the second of two that he had consumed before boarding the vessel) had been concealed under his jacket. After a short jail sentence, the man returned to New Zealand in January 1986 by stowing away on the {{SS|Oriana|1959|2}}, for which he was also fined.<ref>{{cite news |date=2 April 1985 |title=Ferry hijacker was depressed, court told |url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/122470606 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803041206/http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/122470606 |archive-date=3 August 2016 |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=1 April 1985 |title=Man charged over 'hijack' of ferry |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1300&dat=19850401&id=ZnRVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0ZUDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6465,161336&hl=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405011919/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1300&dat=19850401&id=ZnRVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0ZUDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6465,161336&hl=en |archive-date=5 April 2023 |work=The Age}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=10 January 1986 |title=Happy homecoming for Kiwi Australia drove to drink |url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/122420024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822140744/http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/122420024 |archive-date=22 August 2016 |newspaper=The Canberra Times}}</ref>

While there were plans to retire the ship by 2021, a decision was eventually made to keep ''Freshwater'' and ''Queenscliff'' operating, with ''Collaroy'' and ''Narrabeen'' to be retired.<ref name="O'Sullivan"/> However, following the [[2023 New South Wales state election]], the plan was to maintain ''Freshwater'', ''Queenscliff'' and ''Narrabeen'' in full-time service. ''Freshwater'' is currently undergoing refurbishment works, which will extend her life by 5 years once completed.<ref name="Electric" />

<gallery mode="packed" heights="140"> Sydney ferry FRESHWATER under construction NSW State Dockyard Oct 1981.jpg|Under construction, NSW State Dockyard October 1981 File:Sydney ferry FRESHWATER launched at State Dockyard Newcastle.jpg|Launched, 27 March 1982 File:Manly ferry FRESHWATER on its first run to Manly.jpg|On her first run to Manly, 18 December 1982, in her original Urban Transit Authority livery and showing original window arrangement File:MV Freshwater Departing Circular Quay.jpg|''Freshwater'' departs Circular Quay displaying her opened upper deck seating areas; these were opened in the early 2000s. File:MV Freshwater post 2021 refit.jpg|''Freshwater'' arriving at Circular Quay </gallery>

===''Queenscliff''=== {{Infobox ship |section1={{Infobox ship/image |image = Queenscliff post 2023 refit.jpg |image_caption = ''Queenscliff'' in 2024 }}

|section2={{Infobox ship/career |hide_header = yes |namesake = [[Queenscliff, New South Wales|Queenscliff Beach]] |original_cost = $8.5 million<ref name=Mead/> |launched = 4 December 1982 |in_service = 9 July 1983 |identification = *[[Maritime call sign|Call sign]]: 15180 *{{IMO Number|8104058}} *{{MMSI Number|503605000}} |status = Operational in service<ref name="O'Sullivan"/> }} }} '''MV ''Queenscliff''''' is the second of the four ''Freshwater''-class ferries and entered service on 9 July 1983. It is named after [[Queenscliff, New South Wales|Queenscliff Beach]] on Sydney's Northern Beaches. It was to be retired, operating its final service on 13 October 2021.<ref>{{Cite news |date=13 Oct 2021 |title=First Freshwater class Manly ferry retired |url=https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/sydney-breakfast/queenscliff/13583304 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020211718/https://www.abc.net.au/radio/sydney/programs/breakfast/queenscliff/13583304 |archive-date=20 October 2021 |work=[[ABC Radio Sydney]]}}</ref> However, on 13 June 2022 it was announced that ''Queenscliff'' would be brought back into service, after a refit, to replace ''Collaroy'' due to steering problems.<ref name="O'Sullivan"/> After belated completion of a previously routine five-yearly dry docking, the vessel reentered service on Monday 27 November 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Minister for Regional Transport and Roads |date=27 November 2023 |title=Summer-ready Queenscliff returns to the harbour |url=https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/summer-ready-queenscliff-returns-to-harbour |access-date=21 January 2026 |publisher=[[Government of New South Wales|NSW Government]]}}</ref>

<gallery mode="packed" heights="140"> File:Sydney Ferry QUEENSCLIFF on slip in Newcastle.jpg|Under construction in Newcastle circa 1983 File:Sydney ferry QUEENSCLIFF when new at Circular Quay Sydney.jpg|First day of service, 9 July 1983 File:Sydney ferry QUEENSCLIFF by Anton Leddin.jpg|''Queenscliff'' passing South Head, May 2020 File:Queenscliff return press conference.jpg|''Queenscliff'' being returned to service on 27 November 2023. Transport Minister Jo Haylen is seen at a press conference before the vessel embarks on its first service since its retirement in 2021.

</gallery>

===''Narrabeen''=== {{Infobox ship |section1={{Infobox ship/image |image = File:Narrabeen - The Heads - April 2026.jpg |image_caption = ''Narrabeen'' in 2026 after its refurbishment in 2025. }}

|section2={{Infobox ship/career |hide_header = yes |namesake = [[Narrabeen|Narrabeen Beach]] |original_cost = $8.9 million<ref name=Mead/> |launched = 26 May 1984 |in_service = 1984 |out_of_service = |identification = *[[Maritime call sign|Call sign]]: VJ7445 *{{IMO number|8310619}} *{{MMSI|503604000}} |status = Operational in service }} }}

'''MV ''Narrabeen''''' is the third of the four ''Freshwater''-class ferries to enter service. It is named after [[Narrabeen|Narrabeen Beach]] on Sydney's Northern Beaches. Planned to be retired in 2021, on 9 December it was announced that ''Narrabeen'' would get a new engine and continue in service.{{citation needed|date=February 2022}} However, after much delay it was announced that the engine rebuild was cancelled due to supply chain issues and expense and the vessel was officially retired. Nevertheless, after the [[2023 New South Wales state election]] new Transport Minister Jo Haylen announced the return of ''Narrabeen''. Following a refit, including a rebuild of the engines and a new control system,<ref>{{cite news |last=O'Sullivan |first=Matt |date=23 May 2025 |title='Like a Kinder Surprise': Manly ferry dishes up the unexpected |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/like-a-kinder-surprise-manly-ferry-dishes-up-the-unexpected-20250423-p5ltn2.html |access-date=23 May 2025 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref> she returned to service on 20 October 2025.<ref name="Ruffles">{{Cite news |last=Ruffles |first=Michael |last2=O'Sullivan |first2=Matt |date=20 October 2025 |title=They were meant to be out of service. Now large Manly ferries arrive in greater numbers |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/they-were-meant-to-be-out-of-service-now-large-manly-ferries-arrive-in-greater-numbers-20251019-p5n3ij.html |access-date=20 October 2025 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref>

This is the third Manly ferry to be called "Narrabeen". {{ship||Narrabeen|1886 ferry|2}} (I) was an 1886-built iron paddle-steamer that was hulked in 1917. ''Narrabeen'' (II) was built in 1921 and was the last of the Manly cargo ferries. She was sold out of the Manly run in 1928 and was wrecked in 1958. {{Clear}}

<gallery mode="packed" heights="140"> File:Narrabeen fitting out.jpg|''Narrabeen'' during fitting out in 1984 File:Narrabeen circular quay.jpg|''Narrabeen'' at [[Circular Quay]] in 2011 File:Narrabeen Manly.jpg|''Narrabeen'' in Manly in 1990 File:MV Narrabeen and MV Queenscliff at Balmain.jpg|''Narrabeen'' berthed next to ''Queenscliff'' at Balmain shipyard after the two vessels were taken out of service in 2021 File:Freshwater class ferry Narrabeen (cropped).jpg|Narrabeen in Circular Quay after its refit in 2025 </gallery>

===''Collaroy''=== {{Infobox ship |section1={{Infobox ship/image |image = Collaroy arriving at manly.jpg |image_caption = ''Collaroy'' in 2022 }}

|section2={{Infobox ship/career |hide_header = yes |namesake = [[Collaroy, New South Wales|Collaroy Beach]] |original_cost = $12 million<ref name=Mead/> |launched = 16 April 1988 |in_service = 21 August 1988 |identification = *[[Maritime call sign|Call sign]]: VKN6270 *{{IMO number|8618281}} *{{MMSI|503607000}} |status = Retired 27 September 2023 }} }}

'''MV ''Collaroy''''' is the final ''Freshwater''-class ferry to enter service. It is named after [[Collaroy, New South Wales|Collaroy Beach]] on Sydney's Northern Beaches.

''Collaroy'' differs from her classmates in being equipped with underwater stabilisers, enhanced radar for use on ocean cruises, a reversed funnel, a "Becker" style rudder, different wheelhouse windows, and thicker hull plating, which altogether makes her the heaviest of the Freshwater-class ferries.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lyon |first=Lance |title=Collaroy |url=http://www.ferriesofsydney.com/Collaroy.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071103151751/http://www.ferriesofsydney.com/Collaroy.html |archive-date=3 November 2007 |website=Ferries of Sydney}}</ref> The control systems were upgraded to match that being fitted during overhauls of the other Freshwater class. ''Collaroy'' was also fitted with outdoor seating areas at each end of the upper deck, which at the time was unique to her. After this outdoor seating proved popular with passengers, it was installed in the other three Freshwaters in the early 2000s.

When Sydney hosted the [[2000 Summer Olympics]], ''Collaroy'' was the vessel used to carry the [[Olympic Flame]] across [[Port Jackson|Sydney Harbour]]. In February 2001, ''Collaroy'' ran aground on Manly Point, putting the ferry out of service for several months and costing $2 million to repair.<ref name="Manly Daily"/> ''Collaroy'' was originally meant to be retained along with ''Freshwater'', operating on weekends and public holidays; however on 13 June 2022 it was announced that ''Collaroy'' would be retired and replaced with the previously retired ''Queenscliff'' after the latter had undergone a refit.<ref name="O'Sullivan"/> It was announced that ''Collaroy'' might not return to service with her sisters, due to difficulty obtaining parts for her. She was retired on 27 September 2023, with her future uncertain. The vessel's future remained unknown until late 2024, when Haylen announced that ''Collaroy'' would not return to service and that the government would soon be inviting suggestions for future use of the vessel.<ref name="Electric" /> In January 2026 it was announced that ''Collaroy'' would be scrapped due to "insufficient viable interest" in repurposing it.<ref name="Manlyscrap" />

<gallery mode="packed" heights="140"> File:Collaroy_Construction.jpg|''Collaroy'' under construction at [[Forgacs Shipyard|Carrington Slipways]] File:MV_Collaroy_berthed_at_OPT.jpg|''Collaroy'' docked at the [[Overseas Passenger Terminal]] in 1991 File:Sydney ferry COLLAROY aground.jpg|''Collaroy'' aground near Kilburn Towers in Manly 2001 File:Sydney Ferry Collaroy 1 - Nov 2008.jpg|''Collaroy'' in 2008 </gallery>

==See also== * [[List of Sydney Harbour ferries]] * [[Timeline of Sydney Harbour ferries]]

==References== {{commons category|Freshwater ferry class}} {{Reflist}}

[[Category:Ferry transport in Sydney]] [[Category:Ferry classes]]