Emerald ferries sail into Sydney Harbour on way to replace Freshwaters We’re sorry, this service is currently unavailable. Please try again later. Dismiss Normal text size Advertisement Three new Emerald-class ferries have sailed into Sydney Harbour but will likely enter service several months late when they finally replace the iconic Freshwater-class vessels. The new ferries were meant to enter service in mid-2021, but must first pass stringent sea trials, which are expected to take several weeks, if not months. One of three new Emerald-class ferries arrive in Sydney Harbour. Credit:Wolter Peeters The ferries, which can carry 400 passengers, were built in China and delivered to Newcastle late last year before being transported to Port Macquarie where they underwent modifications.