Stay updated with breaking news from Michael Eaglen. Get real-time updates on events, politics, business, and more. Visit us for reliable news and exclusive interviews.
Wellington Harbour will soon have its first battery-powered ferry, with Kiwi boat builders at the cutting edge of a marine zero-carbon movement.
“De-carbonising” the ferry fleet is a rising priority for Auckland Transport, and $30 million, including government funding, is provisionally budgeted over the next three years for charging infrastructure. Auckland is committed to halving carbon emissions by 2030, and transport is the region’s biggest contributor, requiring a cut of around 64 per cent in that time. Eaglen hoped the first two boats would be just the start of a fleet of Auckland-developed battery-powered ferries, capable of 25 knots, and a realistic range of 40km. He said people with a background in America’s Cup de...